Jonah Lomu broke: How the world reacted

News of a trust launched to help the young sons of All Black great Jonah Lomu has reached the world's media -- and met a mixed reaction.

The NZ Rugby Players Association launched the Jonah Lomu Legacy Trust yesterday to help provide for Lomu's young sons, Dhyreille, 6, and Brayley, 5, following their father's sudden death last month.

It was revealed the 40-year-old rugby hero effectively had no money in the bank when he died.

Various media around the world featured the latest developments overnight. Many headlines included the words "effectively broke" and "penniless".

The Daily Mail ran an article saying Lomu's friends had set up the trust, which his widow Nadene Lomu will not be a part of, because they feared the family "don't have enough money to support his two children".

Members of the public had mixed reactions to the news, some saying it was a sad situation. Others, however, suggested Mrs Lomu "could get a job or go on the benefit".

The Daily Telegraph ran a headline saying: "All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu 'broke' at time of death."

Most readers who reacted to that article expressed their sadness at the situation and urged media to "let the man rest in peace".

The news was particularly prevalent in newspapers and news websites in top rugby nations, including South Africa, Ireland, Wales and Australia.

A number readers on the Guardian's website pointed out the need for top sports athletes and celebrities to be smart with their money.

One reader said: "Jonah's friends and colleagues no doubt want to rally around the family -- and good on them. However, the term 'broke', when used regarding sports stars and celebrities, never quite means the same as for the rest of us.

"It means 'a bit of assistance is required in managing my finances' -- not 'how am I going to pay the gas bill'?"

The Irish Examiner also featured an article on the establishment of the trust. The newspaper became widely known during Lomu's death when it featured a poignant black front page and a silver fern with one of its leaves falling to the ground, like a teardrop.

Kiwi journalist Hilary Barry has expressed her concerns about the decision to air All Black great Jonah Lomu's financial issues in public.

The 3News broadcaster's comments come after the announcement of a Jonah Lomu Legacy Trust, which will help provide for Lomu's young sons, Dhyreille and Brayley.

The NZ Players' Association set up the trust after it was revealed the rugby great had died effectively broke.

Barry posted a photo of Lomu in his rugby-playing days, on her Facebook page, with the comment: "Sometimes I think it's best to deal with private problems privately."

Barry went on to point out that a private call for monetary help to a few select organisations may have been a better way to go about the situation.

"Why could the NZRFU and Players' Association not have had a whip around behind closed doors?

"It concerns me that the memory of this great and gentle giant will be tarnished by the negativity this initiative will generate.

"Let this lovely man rest in peace."