"Legacy" - Jonah Lomu’s son declared for Six Nations team
Rugby NewsWednesday, 04 February 2026 at 08:37
Rugby fans may want to sit down for this one: Jonah Lomu’s son has revealed ambitions that might surprise even the most devoted All Blacks supporters.
Rather than dreaming of wearing the famous black jersey, Dhyreille Jonah Lomu, is setting his sights on something different — representing France.
Watch the Guinness Six Nations at your local Greene King sports pub.
Born in France during Jonah Lomu’s time playing with Marseille, Dhyreille is eligible to play for
Les Bleus and is already imagining a future on the international stage in blue rather than black.
And for fans looking ahead, the 2025 Six Nations could be the perfect stage to keep an eye on emerging stars like him. Find your local Greene King, settle in, and enjoy what promises to be another unforgettable tournament.
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Bonjour ‘Frenchie’! Lomu’s Son Making Waves in Kiwi Rugby
Known as “Frenchie” at school thanks to his birthplace, Dhyreille has already started making headlines in New Zealand’s age-grade rugby tournaments. Even at a young age, his performances are turning heads, with many wondering: could he be the next big thing?
The comparisons are inevitable — after all, his father wasn’t just any player. Jonah Lomu was a once-in-a-generation phenomenon who changed rugby forever.
A Legacy Reborn on the Wing
Jonah Lomu remains one of the sport’s greatest icons. The legendary winger earned 63 caps for New Zealand and scored an astonishing 37 tries, redefining what a rugby superstar could be.
Now, Dhyreille is stepping into that legacy — though he’s determined to carve out his own identity, even if it means doing so under a different flag.
Lomu 2.0: Rugby Meets Tennis in the Lomu Household
Interestingly, rugby isn’t the only sport in the Lomu family. Dhyreille and his brother Brayley are also passionate tennis players, balancing life between two athletic worlds.
Brayley, in particular, has lofty goals:
“To be number one, you always have to try your best.”
The brothers are clearly driven — whether it’s on the rugby pitch or the tennis court.
Why Rugby? ‘Dad Was The Best!’
With a father regarded as one of the greatest to ever play the game, Dhyreille is understandably thoughtful about his future.
“Dad will always be the best, so I might give something else a go.”
Could tennis become the new family legacy? Or will rugby ultimately prove too strong a pull?
Only time will tell.
Jonah Lomu Facts: The Legend in Numbers
- He weighed 120 kg and stood 1.96 metres tall, yet could run 100m in 10.8 seconds
- In 1996, McDonald’s New Zealand named a burger after him
- He remains the only rugby player to appear on the front cover of TIME magazine
- Leeds were reportedly preparing a third bid to lure him to England in 2001 (Telegraph)
- He played 63 Tests for the All Blacks, scoring 37 tries
- In 2001, he helped New Zealand win the Rugby World Cup Sevens
Jonah Lomu didn’t hesitate when naming his toughest ever opponent
Here are the four players who made Jonah Lomu's list of toughest opponents:
4. Joost van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
A South African icon, Joost van der Westhuizen was a world-class scrum-half known for his speed and tactical acumen. Key to the Springboks’ victory in the 1995 Rugby World Cup, Joost’s fearless performances earned him global admiration.
JONAH LOMU SAID:
“Such an honour to have played against him. Still not sure how he made that tackle on me during the 1995 final (Rugby World Cup). I just looked down and my legs were gone.”
“Such an honour to have played against him. Still not sure how he made that tackle on me during the 1995 final (Rugby World Cup). I just looked down and my legs were gone.”
DID YOU KNOW?
He was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2007.
He was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2007.
3. Martin Johnson (England)
As England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning captain, Martin Johnson’s leadership and physicality made him a towering presence on the field. A formidable lock, Johnson was widely respected for his influence on and off the pitch.
JONAH LOMU SAID:
“Few players demanded respect on the field like him. A great guy off the field too.”
“Few players demanded respect on the field like him. A great guy off the field too.”
DID YOU KNOW?
In 1990, Johnson was selected for the New Zealand under-21 team and toured Australia.
In 1990, Johnson was selected for the New Zealand under-21 team and toured Australia.
2. Tim Horan (Australia)
Tim Horan, the versatile Australian center, was a cornerstone of two World Cup-winning teams (1991 and 1999). Known for his strategic mind and precision, Horan left a lasting legacy as one of rugby’s finest backs.
JONAH LOMU SAID:
“Horan was one of the best backs I’ve ever seen.”
“Horan was one of the best backs I’ve ever seen.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Horan also played fly-half and even earned one international cap on the wing.
Horan also played fly-half and even earned one international cap on the wing.
1. Émile Ntamack (France)
The former French winger Émile Ntamack was known for his dazzling footwork and unorthodox style. A vital member of the French team in the late 1990s, Ntamack’s elusive running posed unique challenges for defenders.
JONAH LOMU SAID:
“He’s my toughest opponent for sure. When you're taught to defend against someone, you're told to watch their hips because that’s the one place on the body that stays in one place when running. The problem with Émile was his whole body shifted, including his hips, meaning when he ran, he swayed from side to side.”
“He’s my toughest opponent for sure. When you're taught to defend against someone, you're told to watch their hips because that’s the one place on the body that stays in one place when running. The problem with Émile was his whole body shifted, including his hips, meaning when he ran, he swayed from side to side.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Ntamack played a crucial role in France’s journey to the 1999 Rugby World Cup final.
Ntamack played a crucial role in France’s journey to the 1999 Rugby World Cup final.
Can you name every England Rugby captain of the professional era?
Whether it's the grit of Will Carling in the 90s, the tactical brilliance of Martin Johnson, or the fearless leadership of Owen Farrell, this quiz will challenge even the most dedicated fans.
Think you can name them all? Grab your boots and let's see how well you know the men who led England into battle on the world stage!
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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