Bay Sevens to wear black armbands in tribute

Peter Woods in action. Photo/file

The Bay of Plenty Men's Sevens team will wear black armbands in tribute to Jonah Lomu at their big match in Auckland this weekend.

Head coach Peter Woods, who played international sevens with Lomu, said he was shocked at his old friend's passing and the news was "very sad".

"It's a bit hard to take it all in at the moment. All the memories will be flooding back," Mr Woods said.

"Obviously he needed another transplant but I'm shocked."

Mr Woods said he still remembered when Lomu first arrived in the sevens team as a young man.

People don't realise how strong he actually was. He never put 100 per cent in his games because he didn't want to hurt his opponents.

Peter Woods

"And I remember how he flourished from a shy Tongan boy to a global superstar," Mr Woods said.

"People in New Zealand just don't realise how incredibly recognised he was.

"There was one time when we were overseas in Africa and at the same hotel as us was the model Elizabeth Hurley in the reception area. There were probably about eight to 10 photographers taking photos of her, then one of the reporters there turned around and saw Jonah and the whole crew went straight to him and left her there with her manager. It was pretty funny."

Lomu also was incredibly great-hearted.

"People don't realise how strong he actually was. He never put 100 per cent in his games because he didn't want to hurt his opponents."

Mr Woods described Lomu as "really down to earth" and "like a big kid".

"It's good he never changed."