Jonah Lomu’s sons confirm they are following in his footsteps to honour him

Friday, 03 April 2026 at 19:03

byRugby Rucker

The legacy of rugby icon Jonah Lomu is set to live on in a powerful and deeply personal way, as his teenage sons, Brayley and Dhyreille, step forward to honour their father’s life through a new charitable foundation.

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The brothers have officially launched The Jonah Lomu Foundation, a cause dedicated to supporting young New Zealanders who have experienced the loss of a parent — a journey they know all too well.

Their initiative is more than a tribute; it is a mission rooted in empathy, resilience, and the values their father embodied both on and off the rugby field. With the guidance of their mother, Nadene, the boys hope to help other children navigate grief and rebuild their lives with strength and support.

Nadene describes the foundation as one of the final dreams she and Jonah shared — a vision now brought to life by their sons. What began as personal loss has transformed into a movement aimed at uplifting others, ensuring Jonah’s spirit of generosity continues to shape future generations.

Jonah Lomu lived a remarkable life in a short time. A global superstar who electrified crowds with his power and speed, he also faced serious health challenges with quiet determination. Off the field, he was known for his kindness and unwavering commitment to helping others — a legacy clearly inherited by his sons.

Today, rugby fans still celebrate his unforgettable performances, while new audiences discover his brilliance through highlights that remain as awe-inspiring as ever. But beyond the tries and trophies, it is his humanity that endures most strongly.

Through The Jonah Lomu Foundation, Brayley and Dhyreille are turning inspiration into action. Their goal is to create meaningful pathways for young people to dream big, access support, and feel less alone in times of hardship. The foundation will focus on structured programmes, partnerships, and initiatives designed to build resilience and opportunity within communities.

In a statement, the Lomu family emphasised their vision:

“Ultimately, The Jonah Lomu Foundation exists to transform inspiration into action. We aim to create pathways where young people can dream boldly, families can access meaningful support, and communities can unite around shared purpose.”

They added that the foundation is not just about remembering Jonah, but living his values every day — investing in people, championing diversity, and empowering the next generation.

It is a legacy that feels both fitting and powerful. Jonah Lomu may no longer be here, but his influence continues to run strong — not only through the sport he helped redefine, but through the compassion and purpose carried forward by his family.

And if there is any doubt about how he would feel watching his sons take these steps, those closest to him say the answer is simple:

He would be incredibly proud.

For more information or to support the foundation, visit: www.thejonahlomufoundation.com

Richie McCaw names jaw-dropping all-time XV – and it’s absolutely stacked

anged.

RICHIE MCCAW DREAM TEAM:

BACK-THREE:

15. Christian Cullen (New Zeland)
14. Julian Savea (New Zealand)
11. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)

McCawon Lomu: “When I first became an All Black he was in the team. To play alongside a guy you have watched as a young fella was pretty amazing. He made me look silly in training more than once.

"He is one of the absolute superstars of rugby. If you go to somewhere where rugby is perhaps not well known then the one guy they do know is Jonah. It's really sad that he's passed away at age 40. He was a legend of the All Blacks and a legend of rugby."

CENTRES:

13. Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand)
12. Jonny Wilkinson (England)

McCaw on Wilkinson: "He'll go down as one of the greats of world rugby."

HALFBACKS:

10. Dan Carter (New Zealand)
9. Aaron Smith (New Zealand)

McCaw on Carter: "There are a lot of good players but the guys who did it for a long time and that I've been lucky to play with is Dan Carter. In the final, he was sensational and he's been great for a long time. So to be able to play with him for the years I've been playing was pretty cool."

FRONT-ROW:

1. Tony Woodcock (New Zealand)
2. Dane Coles (New Zealand)
3. Olo Brown (New Zealand)

McCaw on Woodcock: "If you're looking for a night out, stay away from Tony Woodcock or go and see Tony Woodcock. He's been on the same team as me since I was 18, we played in age grade together."

SECOND-ROW:

4. Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
5. Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)

BACK-ROW:

6. Richard Hill (England)
7. Schalk Burger (South Africa)
8. George Smith (Australia)

McCaw on Hill: “Extremely gifted player who had all the ability in the world. When England needed someone to dig in he was your man. He had the full tool bag and quietly got on with it.”

McCaw on Smith: Speaking in a Q+A with World Rugby, McCaw's revealed former Wallabies flanker George Smith as the one he feared most on the field, saying Smith "was always pretty tough".

“I remember playing him when I was in the under 19s against Australia and remember then thinking just what a good player he is.”

McCaw on Burger: "You can come up against another tough team but never feel like you have had a tough match against your opposite. But with Burger you knew where they are going to be and how hard they play near the ball."

Can you name all 28 clubs to ever appear in the Premiership?

London Welsh were the last new team to play in the Gallagher Premiership back in 2011 – can you name the others?

You have five minutes to name every club to have played in the Gallagher Premiership, all 28 of them, since the division was established back in 1987.

It’s more difficult than it sounds.

Good luck, and let us know how you do

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