Jonah Lomu may have been the most famous rugby player on the planet but he died almost penniless
Global superstar was close to broke despite his fame
All Black Jonah Lomu may have been one of the biggest names in rugby union but he was near to broke when he died, the organisers of a trust set up to support his young sons said Tuesday.
Lomu's sudden death last month at the age of 40, following a years-long battle with a rare kidney disorder, brought outpourings of sympathy from around the world.
But it has emerged the commercially in-demand personality had few financial assets.
In response, New Zealand Rugby Players Association chief executive Rob Nichol said the Jonah Lomu Legacy Trust had been established by business people and friends of the hulking winger to support his children Dhyreille, 6, and Brayley, 5.
Nichol said that Lomu's wealth from a stellar career did not match people's expectations and he may have been a victim of his own generosity where he often helped others at the expense of his own family.
“The estate has to go through a probate period, but we don't see any financial benefit or proceeds going to his family,” Nichol said.