‘England’s very own Lomu’ – The 5 players who were dubbed the next Jonah

Many fans still consider the All Black powerhouse as the greatest player in history following his groundbreaking appearances at the 1995 World Cup and beyond.

Due to his stellar reputation and unique playing style, fans and the media have been desperate to find the heir to Lomu's throne.

Over the years, kits have received the label and it’s safe to say that their journeys have been rather different.

As such, we’ll start with the first man who was dubbed the next Jonah Lomu.

The difference was, of course, that Rokocoko preferred to bewilder with sleight of hand — recall his wonderful half dummy en route to a try against Wales in 2004 — a step and evasive skills, whereas Lomu more often than not took route one.

Forty-six tries in 66 Tests isn't a shabby strike-rate, though. However, he played his last Test at 27, so left us all wanting a bit more, really.

DID YOU KNOW? Although often known as Joe, Rokocoko asked New Zealand rugby management to list his Christian birth name, Josevata, on team releases

The powerhouse is the latest to get the ‘new Lomu’ billing after a rampaging display in New Zealand’s 27-7 win over the Wallabies in October 2020. One run saw the Blues player reduce the visitors’ cover to rubble as he blasted through five tackles, setting up a try for Ardie Savea.

The RugbyPass website reported: “It was the sort of run reminiscent of Jonah Lomu in his prime and the anticipation in the crowd was palpable every time the 21-year-old touched the ball.”

DID YOU KNOW? He is the son of Eroni Clarke, an All Black from 1992 to 1998, and Siala Clarke.

'Well, call off the search, Joe Cokanasiga is ready to be England’s very own Jonah Lomu' exclaimed The Times in 2019.

At almost 18 stone the powerhouse winger was like no other when he burst onto the scene in 2019 aged 20, but a mix of injuries and loss of form means he's only won nine caps to date. Hopefully, he can add to that during the 2022 tour to Australia this summer.

DID YOU KNOW? Cokanasiga was born in Fiji but before his third birthday, moved to England with his father, Ilaitia, who was in the British Army

In 2010 Savea was touted as ‘the next Jonah Lomu‘. The powerhouse then stormed onto the international stage in 2012 and quickly proved himself as a powerful runner with ball in hand, hence the Lomu comparison, scoring nine tries in his debut season. In total he scored 46 tries in 54 appearances for the All Blacks before moving to Toulon in 2018. Since then his career has stagnated.

DID YOU KNOW? Savea was nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year in 2014 and 2015, winning the award for Try of the Year in 2015

A stupendous Lions tour to Australia propelled him into the stratosphere – with the Daily Mail calling him the Welsh Jonah Lomu. The image of him carrying 16-stone Israel Folau on his back was iconic, but suddenly on his return home the weight was all on North’s shoulders. He’s had an incredible career, winning over 100 caps…but he’s no Jonah Lomu.

DID YOU KNOW? In June 2019 North married his long-term partner, the Olympic cyclist Becky James