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Twickenham could be set to host a benefit match for Jonah Lomu's family

It was recently revealed that Jonah Lomu was struggling financially at the time of his death, and...



Twickenham could be set to hos...
Rugby

Twickenham could be set to host a benefit match for Jonah Lomu's family

It was recently revealed that Jonah Lomu was struggling financially at the time of his death, and a trust fund has been set up to try and help his family as a result. 

The fund is designed to look after his wife Nadene and two young boys, Dhyreille (6) and Brayley (5), and former All Black Ali Williams suggested that a good way to both raise money for his children, as well as honour the legacy of the world's first global rugby superstar, would be to host a tribute match at Twickenham. 

The former second row believes that there would be obstacles to such a match, given the problematic nature of getting clubs to release their players for a friendly of that nature, but that the esteem in which Lomu is held around the world would be more than enough to get it over the line. 

He told Radio Sport in New Zealand that "to hold a match like that for Jonah at Twickenham, it's going to take a little bit of work but it's not hard and it's the place that everyone would love to honour such a great man.

"It's not hard to put on games like that, it just takes a little bit of effort and know-how to do those things". 

The match would be similar to the one that took place earlier this year to honour the late Jerry Collins, and featured a team of Classic All Blacks against Toulon. 

Williams acknowledged that there were difficulties with that match too, because "the French League is quite tight, you've got your insurance issues as well. But then again, the French hugely respect Jonah and what he's done so I don't think it would be too hard".

The idea of the match was backed by former Leinster player Felipe Contepomi, who also told Radio Sport that "I hope that game is played and I hope that every single rugby player is keen to go and participate in such a good cause, to help Jonah's family". 

Via NZ Herald

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