Lomu also had a passion to save humpback whales

Rugby legend Jonah Lomu also had a passion to save our humpback whales.

Head of Communications for IUCN Oceania, Frank Koloi worked with Lomu in 2007 on the Jonah and the Whale campaign to stop the Japanese government from killing humpback whales in Tonga at the time.

Koloi says Lomu became the face of the campaign and was easy to work with and willing to learn about conservation.       

He says Lomu made a live speech via satellite pleading the head of states to stand together and protect the humpback whales.

The campaign was a success and the Japanese pulled back.

Koloi says Lomu’s death came as a shock to him and the Tongan community.

Taholo Kami, Director of IUCN Oceania and a member of the Tongan community says Lomu opened doors for many Pacific islanders in rugby and was Tonga’s showcase to the world.      

Both Kami and Koloi worked closely with Lomu on the Jonah and the Whale campaign.

Lomu’s memorial service will be held next Monday at Eden Park in Auckland followed by the funeral service at LDS Church in Auckland on Tuesday.