Rugby legend Jonah Lomu’s teenage boys Brayley and Dhyreille have launched a foundation in their famous dad’s name that will help support young New Zealanders who have lost a parent.
Jonah’s widow Nadene Lomu told the Herald the Jonah Lomu Foundation was one of the final projects the couple worked on before Jonah’s death from a heart attack in 2015.
The foundation was officially launched on February 27, the same day it received its Charitable Trusts Incorporation Certificate.
“It will operate as any legal charitable entity does under the necessary requirements,” Nadene Lomu said.
“We will host annual events for the benefit of youth and their families, and we are currently working on some extremely exciting projects which we are looking forward to announcing very soon.
“Those who truly knew Jonah know this wasn’t just an idea – it was a vision close to his heart. It was one of the final projects he and I were building together in 2015 before his passing."
Nadene described the foundation as “love in action”.
“It is the rebuilding of a phenomenal legacy with purpose. And it is Jonah’s light continuing to shine.”
She said the foundation had some “meaningful projects” underway that she would share publicly “very soon”.
“This is only the beginning.”
Nadene and Jonah’s teenage sons – Brayley and Dhyreille – said they were proud that their father’s legacy would be linked to such positivity.
Brayley, aged 17, said both he and his 15-year-old brother felt the “weight and privilege of carrying” their father’s famous name “every day”.
“To the world, he was a legend. To us, he was our father, our protector, our encourager, our example of strength and humility,” Brayley told the Herald.
“He filled our lives with love and endless happiness.
“The Jonah Lomu Foundation is more than an organisation; it’s a living tribute that ensures his legacy continues.
“It honours not just what he achieved on the field, but his generosity, resilience through health battles, and belief in lifting others up. It’s part of our family and our story.”
Brayley said the pair’s mother was at the “heart of it all”.
“She has been our emotional backbone, carrying her own grief while holding us together with love and strength.
“She turned heartbreak and hurt into purpose and made sure Dad’s values live on despite how tough it’s been for her.”
We know what it means to lose a parent and still hold on to big dreams
Brayley and Dhyreille will be ambassadors for the foundation.
The 17-year-old said they would be involved “not just as Jonah Lomu’s sons, but as Jonah and Nadene’s son – young men shaped by heartbreak and adversity”.
“We know what it means to lose a parent and still hold on to big dreams.
“That loss forces resilience, but it also builds empathy and strength. We have been forced to grow up fast as a result of losing our dad and all that came with that.”
Lomu lost his life after battling serious renal failure, including at the height of his playing career.
Brayley said the foundation would support young people to strive, survive, and continue to dream.
“Through the foundation, we want young people like ourselves to understand, especially those facing challenges and grief, to know this: losing a parent does not mean losing your future,” Brayley said.
“Your dreams are still yours to live. Your story is still being written. And you are stronger than you realise. My mum has taught us this.
“Dad’s legacy was always about more than rugby. He always told us, we were his greatest joy as he was never meant to have children due to his illness.
“Dad was forever grateful to my mum in blessing him with my brother and I. Our dad was about impact and heart.”
Brayley said the foundation stood for “family, perseverance, and hope”.
“For us, carrying that forward means everything, especially when we can help make a real difference in the lives of others.”
Joseph Los’e joined NZME in 2022 as Kaupapa Māori editor. Los’e was a chief reporter, news director at the Sunday News newspaper covering crime, justice and sport. He was also editor of the NZ Truth and worked for urban Māori organisation Whānau Waipareira.