3. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Lomu, a New Zealand rugby phenomenon, redefined the winger position with his extraordinary size, speed, and power.
Rising to global fame in the 1995 Rugby World Cup, he became an icon of the sport, inspiring awe with his unstoppable runs and unmatched athleticism. Lomu’s legacy transcends rugby, forever etched in sporting folklore.
Carter said: “He was the toughest player. I played against him once, I was 19-year-old and tried to tackle him, kinda woke up five metres back. He changed the game of rugby.”
Jonah Lomu Facts:
- He weighed 120 kg and was 1.96 metres tall, but could run 100 metres in 10.8 seconds
- In 1996, McDonald’s New Zealand named a burger after Lomu
- He’s the only rugby player ever to feature on the front cover of TIME magazine
- According to the Telegraph, Leeds were ready to make a third bid to attract All Blacks giant Jonah Lomu to England in 2001
- He played 63 tests as an All Black, scoring 37 tries
- In 2001 he helped New Zealand win the Rugby World Cup Sevens.