Lomu funeral details being mulled

Details of the memorial service and funeral for rugby legend Jonah Lomu will be revealed in the next few days, his family says.

The 63-Test veteran, who became a worldwide superstar, died at his home in Auckland on Wednesday, aged 40, sparking tributes from around the world.

The giant winger had been battling nephrotic syndrome and had been on dialysis for four years.

“We wish to thank all the people who have expressed their sympathies for our family at this incredibly difficult time,” Lomu’s father-in-law Mervyn Quirk said in a statement on Friday.

“We are truly touched by the outpouring of love for Jonah and the support for our family.”

Quirk said with many people mourning Lomu, the family were discussing with various parties how best to celebrate his life and allow people to commemorate his achievements.

Details of a memorial service and funeral arrangements would be announced as soon as they ere finalised over the next few days, he said.

Auckland Council and New Zealand Rugby have said they are working with the family on an appropriate memorial.

Meanwhile, Mr Quirk’s daughter and Lomu’s third wife, Nadene, has set up a Givealittle page which she says will raise money for the couple’s children’s upbringing and education.

The family had plans to travel overseas early in 2016 to explore business opportunities which would provide for the future, which would not now happen, she said.

She said she planned to also set up a charitable trust to “continue Jonah’s work and legacy with children all around the world”.

The page caused the Givealittle website to crash because so many people visited it when it was set up on Thursday, according to reports.

On Friday the page had raised $NZ4400.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!