Giant of the Game Acknowledged by IRPA

The International Rugby Players Association (IRPA) presented Jonah Lomu with its discretionary Special Merit Award at a ceremony in Sydney on November 18. Lomu, described by The Star as “the face of the last two World Cups,” missed this year’s Cup on account of ill health caused by a rare kidney disorder. IRPA president, Tony Dempsey: “This award is not automatically presented every year as the recipient must be worthy of the honour. However, IRPA believes Jonah has made a huge impact on the game of rugby ever since making his test debut against France in 1994.”