Jonah Lomu is one of the most revered rugby players to ever grace the game.
The physical impact Lomu had on the 1995 World Cup was beyond the effect of any other player in the history of the game. He scored seven tries in 1995, including four in an unforgettable one-man demolition job of England in the semi.
Lomu went one better in 1999 to finish with a record 15 tournament tries, before going on to show his dignity with his brave fight against debilitating kidney disease.
One of a kind and the impression he left on so many lives was vividly illustrated by the reaction to his death in November 2015.
Jonah Lomu doing the absolute business:
The video contains a series of clips from throughout Lomu's career.
The All Blacks back was impossible to stop at times, here World Rugby countdown his 10 best tries from an illustrious career.
Reaction:
One fan wrote: "The only player on this earth that can run through the whole team like a freight train. Most exciting player ever to watch."
"It's like when you create a player in a video game and give him MAX stats on everything," added another.
A third commented: "As an NFL fan born in America, I don't know much about rugby. I do know about Jonah Lomu though, he's one of the most freakish athletes I've ever heard of. I don't know of another man in any sport that has that much raw speed, size and strength."
"Lomu was an astonishing physical specimen. Players have gotten bigger since the game turned professional, but I still think he'd have a big impact today. What a rugby player," said a fourth.
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LIST: The 5 fastest rugby players of all-time
Speed is an important factor in all sports, and things are no different in rugby union.
There have been a lot of fast players to play the 15 aside game at international level, and some of them have even been the best players in the game.
A race, or set of races, would definitely be the easiest way to settle the debate about the fastest players, but that will never happen for a number of reasons—one being that some players on this list are retired.
In any case, we will try and sort out who are some of the fastest rugby players to have played the game.
Here they are. Enjoy
#5. JONNY MAY – England – 10.71 SECONDS (100M)
The speedster clocked 10.71 for the 100 metres. With a strong argument to be England’s quickest wide man ever, May is gradually improving his finishing prowess and is now arguably the first name on the team-sheet for head coach Eddie Jones.
Jonny May of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#4=. JONAH LOMU – NZ – 10.70 SECONDS (100M)
Will Carling famously labelled Lomu a ‘freak’ after his four-try show in 1995, and for a man of such bulk, it’s remarkable he was clocked at 10.7 sec 100m time. Lomu could ‘gas’ opponents as much as steamroller them and his first of two tries against France in the 1999 World Cup semi, and many of his Counties Manukau scores showed he had more than enough top-end pace for a wide-man.
#4=. CHESLIN KOLBE – SA – 10.70 SECONDS (100M)
This was the Springbok speedsters time from school so he could be possible even quicker now!
#2. JOE ROKOCOKO – NZ – 10.66 SECONDS (100M)
Smokin’ Joe Rokocoko didn’t earn his nickname for nothing, as the Fijian-born All Black winger left defences scratching their heads throughout his time with the All Blacks and Blues. The winger ran a 10.66 in his prime – a great time for a man of his size and stature.
#1. BRYAN HABANA – SOUTH AFRICA -10.4 SECONDS (100M)
The speedster made his debut in 2005 and managed to score a try with his first touch of the ball. Since then the winger has become a prolific try scorer, showing blistering pace for the Springboks, Bulls, Stormers and Toulon. Habana’s best 100m time is captured at 10.4 seconds. He also once raced a Cheetah.
Bryan Habana of South Africa gives the thumbs up after his side wins the Bronze final during the Rugby World Cup Bronze Final match between Argentina and South Africa at The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Oct 30th 2015 in London - Photo mandatory by-line: Graeme Truby/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - SPORT - International Rugby
