Eric Rush - Hilarious & Emotional Speech at Jonah Lomu Memorial

[@lealavaamalo4836]

AWESOME speech Eric. You definitely honour Jonah with humour, respect, friendship and humility in your speech. Bless you Eric Rush. Rest in Peace Jonah.

[@jankarelbosch2891]

L

[@rehanawebster3981]

What a legend. Sadly missed.

[@stevenfuieva]

@@jankarelbosch2891 1q1q we 1

[@MrWillt100]

@J G And? I think your on the wrong page maybe a pair of new spectacles would help or you need to up your medication. If none of these will help then I suggest you digging a great big hole and jumping in it.

[@willymacdonald7535]

@J G Rugby Rugby ring the bell soccer soccer go to Hell.

[@judaspriest4957]

I'm English and Jonahs death hit me more than anyone else that I've never met in my life. In 1995 I was 5 years old and I watched this giant man destroy my beloved England team in the semi final of the world cup and I was absolutely drawn into this man's character. In 1997 I got to see him live for the first time at Old Trafford when the All Blacks played England in a 2 part test series. I read, listened and watched to so many things about this great man who battled health problems to become a global superstar. Its now 7 years since his death, I'm 32 and I've just welled up watching a few clips of my first heroes funeral. I hope his family are incredibly proud of everything he accomplished in his life. Rest in peace Jonah

[@gregoryburne5251]

As a South African, Jonah was the Greatest. He was obv a NZ treasure, but when my American friends chirp me about NFL vs Rugby, I just tell them to watch “Jonah Lomu’s best tries”. That shuts them up. He was a Kiwi, but he was also the World Rugby Community’s favourite. Thanks for sharing Jonah with the World’s Rugby fans., NZ. ❤️

[@perfectpikelet1444]

Fabulous speech by a genuine Kiwi man for a guine Kiwi Legend 🙏 Thank you Eric Rush 🙏❤️

[@philipmccarthy6175]

You can tell a lot about a person by their friends. Jonah Lomu was a good man and he obviously had good friends. Beautiful words Eric Rush.

[@Pooler29]

As a hard core SAFFER supporter (don't take this the wrong way Kiwi's) the highest respect we could pay Jonah Lomu was that he never scored a try against SA. We had had such respect for his abilities and the danger he presented whenever the ball went near him that our guys just went into a higher gear. It was only after he stopped playing that we realised we spent so much energy stopping him that he we didn't have anything left for his 14 team mates...they scored all his tries for him. You and Joost are sorely missed big man. I hope the training where you are is easy, the tries are worth 10 points and that you don't go easy on the Poms...🙂. Well done Eric Rush...straight from the heart--respect

[@tobinakatarx]

Pome, prisoner of mother england

[@Iswhatitisssss]

Don’t take this the wrong way but if you SAFFERS didn’t poison us we would have won the World Cup .

[@Pooler29]

@@Iswhatitisssss (An apt name).That story's so tired mate...give it a rest. When Laurie Mains coached the Cats in SuperRugby a mate of mine (Basil de Koning) played hooker for them. Laurie admitted to Rassie (who was captain at the time) that it was a load of bollocks. You're forgetting that the one-eyed ref (literally) disallowed a perfectly executed pushover try by Ruben Kruger...go look again. We were never going to lose that 95 final because of the occasion. Just like we were never going to lose to England in the 2019 final. You need to understand the Bok mentality when it comes to certain games...#justsaying

[@Iswhatitisssss]

@@Pooler29 Bullshit. Dirtiest move anyone could pull.

[@Iswhatitisssss]

@@Pooler29 A former top South African police commander involved with All Blacks security at the 1995 Rugby World Cup says the team was deliberately poisoned before the final against the Springboks. Rory Steyn - chief bodyguard to President Nelson Mandela - believes betting syndicates were behind the poisoning. The All Blacks lost the Johannesburg final 15-12. Mr Steyn said there was a huge degree of paranoia within the All Blacks camp, which escalated after the semifinal win over England in Cape Town. The team travelled back to Johannesburg and it was decided among management that they would eat separately to the rest of their hotel's guests in the week leading up to the final. "I said that makes it easier to target them, I didn't think it was a good idea," Mr Steyn said

[@etpc2023]

The fact his voice broke the way it did at the end for a man to show that much emotion shows what a man Jonah Lomu was. RIP

[@deanmorgan7011]

Great speech by a top bloke, Jonathan came to Wales to play for Cardiff, he left a lasting imprint on us here in wales and both him and jerry Collins will never be forgotten here in wales they were both gentle lovely guys and we will not see the likes of them again.......

[@brent1970]

Outstanding, brilliant rugby player and person - saw a short documentary on TV of when he came to South Africa to meet some of the '95 Springbok players - James Small (RIP), Joost van der Westhuizen (RIP) among others...brought tears to my eyes when he was speaking to Joost who was close to dying :( and then at the end of the documentary it said Jonah passed a short itme after returning to NZ...RIP big guy, we love and miss you and the Springboks who have gone to play rugby in Heaven together - Chester Williams too....salute to you and all the legends that have left us...thank you for the moving speech Eric! (South Africa)

[@kelsofire7366]

Though we`re from the opposite sides of the World We both have the same Love for our legends and to see them together sharing their love and Respect for the game and each other is so admirable and staunch i wish nothing But LOVE for ever

[@rodwynrhind5573]

Wow... What a mate indeed. Spoken with such passion and honesty. I take my hat off to you Eric. I’m in awe with the tribute you made. God bless you and his family. What you said to his mom, nearly brought me to tears. I always admired Jonah, and found a new level of respect for him when he visited our ‘late’ Joost van der Westhuizen in South Africa shortly before he died. We as South African were also saddened by Jonah’s passing. He was one of those players that made the rivalry between our two nations so special. Thanks again Mr Rush for such a fantastic tribute !

[@johnmalaeolevavau7042]

Jonah came home with my little brother when they attended Arahanga Intermediate, he was typical island kid. When he hit the stratosphere in 1995 World Cup, he changed the world of rugby forever...Eric Rush summed up Jonah in that brief tribute but there's so much wonderful tales about this Giant in the World of Sport...Well done Eric and Rest well sweet prince Jonah, there will never be another Jonah in our lifetime...RIP

[@niuleni]

Lovely speech Eric and thank you for the beautiful testimony of a Legendary individual...RIL Jonah Lomu ❤🙏🌷

[@mystiqueoffer4170]

As a South African supporter, he was an amazing player. I loved watching him. Such a sad loss not only to his beautiful family and friends and his nation but to rugby too 💜🧡

[@isaactamani1541]

Eric Rush is a Legend himself talking about another legend Jonah Lomu, RIP Jonah gone too son 🏉 💪🏼 Jonah a colossus figure in the rugby pitch.

[@dnhy7951]

Aw shucks, what heartfelt words. To Eric Rush, JL and the Lomu family from the Emerald Isle: 'may God hold you in the palm of his hand, may the road rise to meet you and may the wind be always at your back...'

[@nanchu2151]

What a class act of a speech from Eric Rush .humorous beautiful great speaker .loved his mate Jonah Lomu .💙❤RIP KING JONAH TALI LOMU..

[@kobigrewal1]

Best ever memorial speech? Powerful and genuine positive emotion. Bought tears to my eyes.

[@helenipetelo1544]

Malo aupito for the lovely stories about Jonah. R.I.P with our Lord.

[@vailima49aston99]

Never ever forget watching Lomu play at the 95 WC I was 13 at the time and I’ll always remember it what a time to be alive ❤️

[@jdb9388]

sole order some vailima for christmas

[@vailima49aston99]

@@jdb9388 done uce 😂 merry Christmas uso

[@jdb9388]

@@vailima49aston99 manuia lou kelisimasi Uso, and i was 11 in Moak'a Upolu watching the 95 WC thinking oka oka look at thing tongan go 😂

[@kiniviliamebaravilala2037]

Best memorial speech ever ...I never liked Rush as a Fijian but this speech brought tears to my eyes

[@ianmangham4570]

Us British absolutely LOVED JONA, R. I.P

[@NeilLackey1]

We did indeed

[@The-Real-Ando]

@ Ian Mangham, the last time I saw him which well after his playing days he was signing autographs for a crowd of kids, always a gentleman.

[@joshkarena3058]

I still love listening to Rushies tribute speech to and about Jonah. For ever in our memories and hearts to all those who knew him personally or an admirer of Jonah. Rest In Love Jonah. 😍

[@fijianz1]

STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART... GREAT WORDS FROM THE LEGENDARY ERIC RUSH FOR AN ICON.. JONAH LOMU.. A RUGBY MEGASTAR

[@dawnobrien6052]

Hé Honoré, Hé Kororia...Moe Mai Jonah... AROHA MUTUNGA KORE 🫂❤️🌿🌹🌿

[@adrianbaxter3490]

Wow, just Wow! Some of my Navy mates have met the colossus, and spoke extremely highly of him. Very jealous that day as i couldn't make the tour. Awesome J! Rest in paradise.

[@seamus9750]

Lomu. Small. Joost. Chester. ....legends from the same era all gone 😪

[@pakauputairi2855]

100%

[@willbee6785]

Every time I hear people who actually met him, say, he was such a nice person. I hope all his family are doing well. You were blessed to be near him.

[@Marktb363]

Great speech from a great character; beautiful, natural feeling right at the end too. Thank you Rushie 👍

[@dantewalters5209]

Great hero in every sense of the word. As a South African, I always loved him. Changed the game forever.

[@willbee6785]

I’ve watched this twice. It’s so good. Excellent Mr Rush.

[@markknopflerisnot]

What a brilliant speech, absolutely perfect balance of humour, emotion, friendship, love, anecdotes and insights

[@TTT-Turbo]

Fantastic speech and the first time I've heard this! Got me at the end man 😪😪 RIP Big Man. Hope your 2 boys grow to love the game as much as you and follow in your foot steps. 🖤

[@aaronmaldonado1965]

I don’t even know the player, sport or speaker. I understand the significance but even with my massive amount of ignorance I couldn’t help but let it out hearing about this person and his contributions. This is what legends are made of!!! ❤❤❤

[@kobusdutoitbosman6240]

From the outside looking in, hugely inspirational re a man larger than Life. Thank you for this touching share…👊

[@jameskawaikaupejrcwo3usmcr573]

Jonah was an awesome person, a great Rugby Player, and a great beautiful human being who is now with our Lord Jesus Christ and our God. My deepest condolences and prayers for his family, his wife, and son’s, and All of the past, present and future Rugby Players who knew the “Big Tama”. Mahalo nui loa Braddah for your unselfish style of playing your Rugby and for Your Country and Countrymen and women. Tofa!

[@GaryLaaks1]

One of my all time rugby greats that I loved seeing play on the field. Always took at least 3 people to take him down. Massive gentle giant. My Father in law died of the same disease. Regards from South Africa (a Springbuck supporter).

[@chrischange6688]

Yes I witnessed the greatest rugby player of all time run on a rugby field ever, Jonah captivated people and drew them to watch the game of rugby, labeled Unstoppable as a name, and just a beast on the field , and having met the guy in person, really miss you heaps Jonah Rest In Peace Brother ❤

[@markneedham8726]

As it should be. Respect, love and ....that is all that a man should have. And here is a man, Jona, who deserves it all.

[@fletmok3548]

Remember watching Rushy, Joeli Vidiri and Jonah doing 10 full field sprints in Tauranga before they flew out too Sevens in KL. What a sight!!

[@MrT67]

Who was the quickest? I'll take a punt on Joeli for laughs.

[@kookieskream6611]

Now Jonah’s best friend is also gone - RIL Joeli

[@leannecampbell4551]

Timeless speech. Always in our hearts Jonah! x

[@tedbukulatjpi7028]

I still remember him.when I was a little boy he was my hero back in his day now I’m 35years old I got full respect for him R.I.P JL my legend Yolngu people’s love’s you Always✊🏾

[@bogsy60]

Total class Eric Rush such a wonderful send off to the greatest ever rugby player 👏

[@glynzwat390]

Eric Rush, ty for a beautiful speech. You brought him to life with your friendship, banter you both shared. I couldn't hold back the 😢. Thank you.

[@keithfowler2013]

Miss you Jonah. RIP Big man With love from England.

[@Enoch940]

Jonah Lomu well respected 👏. Missed by all. South Africa.

[@malelilinawaqavonovono4809]

I remembered when I first watched Jonah in 1995 final,he was like a speeding 🚆 🚉 🚄 train nobody can't stop him and I salute him...

[@reedsmusic7589]

Big speech for a big man. Moving. Respectful. Funny. God bless you

[@lucypaul3135]

i have nothing to say apart from he was the ultimate GOAT, there will surly be no other. RIp Jonah and thank you for sharing your talent to me and the rest of world.

[@brunofekitoa9215]

I've watched this so many times I can't remember how many times but it gets me every time and i cry every time r.i.p legend ❤ I and the whole world miss u do much

[@taraishot100]

Cool to see George Gregan was there to pay his respects. Those games vs Australia back then we’re legendary

[@rosswilliams2823]

What a speech👌 R.I.P LEGEND🙏 It can only and will only be one JONAH💯

[@robosborne5489]

I have been to Takapuna Rugby club many times when Eric Rush has been the guest speaker. Eric has the place in absolute hysterics everytime

[@Avianashi]

This is such an inspiring speech Eric, John surely must be watching this seated at the back row from above us all and enjoying every minute of it , Bravo 🙏🙏

[@willbee6785]

I smiled all the way through, with small tears at the end.

[@WilliamKearns5393]

R.I.P Joselle Tahana, June 18th, 1987 - October 14th, 2017. R.I.P Tim Greene, July 11th, 1987 - October 14th, 2017. R.I.H Soselle Tinton, June 19th, 1987 - October 14th, 2017. R.I.H Vim Breene, July 12th, 1987 - October 14th, 2017.

[@gayneihaia7891]

Never seen this ,,,,first time New Years day 1,1,2022 Jona came to Middle more hospital 1991 Children Ward Visited my son what a memory for my son ,,and Me and his Mom ,,,, thank you Eric

[@BlueMoonday19]

Made me laugh as this is the first time I have seen this as well, one year later!

[@justinprisk3969]

Awesome speech brother, bought a tear to my eye he will be missed, rip jonah

[@edanarrison5768]

That was amazing. Life is about finding best friends like him.

[@dovecameron9212]

Had the pleasure of watching Lomu play in Auckland and also had Eric Rush do a speech at my school and the man is all class and a great public speaker. He even threw in a Lomu story, he said the first time he faced him on the field he thought Lomu was wearing sunglasses but when he got closer it was in Nostrils. This is the first time ive seen this speech. Rip Jonah. Gone to soon but never forgotten

[@waystadtymphyndir7079]

Years later, and watching Shane Warnes MCG memorial with absolute respect. I venture back to the stories of Jonah as I have a had a two hour moment with him when I was 17. I will never forget it. Just him and I shooting the shit, talking everything but Rugby. I was in the US when he passed. I poured out my sentiments on Facebook about what is real in life...not long after I unsubscribed Facebook and ventured onwards to meet nice people by chance because of Jonah. Jonah and Shane...Super Human. Real

[@SupremeBros2012]

Such a sad loss at a young age, legend never dies Blessings Jonah Wonderful eulogy Eric

[@deonstrydom4237]

Met Jonah in Durban when it was still the super 6 or super 10. Long time ago. As Eric Rush said, a most humble and polite person as you will ever meet. Softest voice as well. After moving to NZ in 2005 met up again in Wellington. He never changed. Had some interesting conversations that involved the names of a certain Joost vd Westhuizen and James Small. He sure was a legend and an inspiration to many. RIP big fella. May your star shine bright.

[@lesmcintosh1]

Awesome speech. One of the best that I have heard. A fitting tribute too the big man. RIP Jono...

[@ottconsulting7]

What a lovely tribute to the greatest player ever.

[@realifehaps6307]

Never will be another like Jonah. Miss you. 2023

[@murphspro]

What a beautiful speech... Eric your words amazing and special.

[@seawolfe6460]

Heartfelt and inspirational Eric. Loved it.❤️👍

[@somerledislay9987]

One of a kind , Thank you Jonah . God bless . A great player and greater Man .

[@petertruszkowski7288]

Jonah.....a legend! what a loss to Rugby....the world. R.I.P. ( UK)

[@johnknipe8389]

What a beautiful speech about a wonderful man!

[@nilepax8168]

Wonderful. Breathtaking. From Wales.

[@Island3r]

Mannnn....what a speech..... absolutely amazing speech...too good man....thank you Eric Rush for the best insight about Jonah.... absolutely amazing.

[@nanchu2151]

Beautiful speech.. 😍😭😭😭😭😭RIP Jonah Tali Lomu..

[@FACELOWNER]

Wow, that was powerful, brilliant speech for a brilliant man.

[@johndouglassalgado9616]

Had the pleasure of a brief encounter with Jonah Lomu during 95 WC in SA. He was visiting Sun City at the Valley of the Waves and talking to all the small kids who came up to meet him. No arrogance, no bodyguards, just a rugby player who was enjoying life. If there was a Pele in rugby it would be Lomu. RIP

[@graemel3069]

A beautiful speech made by Eric...God bless!!

[@michaelrmcornejo]

9:30 when he said the real tragedy is Jonah not seeing his sons grow up got me teary-eyed

[@dudgs3928]

An unassuming rugby warrior who’s talent and drive was inspirational a sad loss to his immediate family and the wider respectful rugby family

[@maxkazzora4234]

Well spoken by this great himself: Eric Rush. Kudos to his speech. May the great man RIP. I actually met the big man in London in the late 1990s and got a nose bleed looking up at him. Legend status in rugby union is already assured to this man.

[@Aotearoa0]

Ive so repeated , listened and watched Erica Rush's beautiful memorial speech on behalf of the players. What a wonderful insight into this inspiring man Jonah. I remember when the AB's were at the Institute of Sport at Massey University, Palmerston North. Our company provided and catered for the AB's meals, this when the team coached by John Hart, Wayne Smith and co. Every time after the meals, Jonah wiould come to the kitchen door and say "Thank you, Ladies '. We would all smile and comment on his good manners. He was very humble and importantly a very respectful person. It was a pleasure knowing you Jonah, though very briefly but you left a great impression. RIL and peace ✌️🕊️ Jonah. This memory shared from Brisbane 2024!!

[@normanelder5155]

Beautifull speach of the great man.rest in peace Jonnah lomu

[@johnryan2636]

What a lovely heartfelt speech by Eric , funny and quite emotional too , Also what a beautiful thing to say “Thank you for sharing your son with us “ We all thank Jonah’s Mum and family , RIP Jonah , Thank you

[@jimaitken1859]

That was class , well said Eric Rush

[@chrisbass9919]

Thank you for a truly wonderful speech, you did your friend the big man and the people of New Zealand proud 👏🏽👏🏽

[@jpowell2603]

RIP absolute legend!! Jonah Tali Lomu😭

[@Mosiveiau]

Well spoken ER. Loloma that comes straight from the heart. Vinaka bro.

[@setisuafa-os9tv]

Beautiful. From a great player and mate to honour Lomu, ABs and Lomus family. Very funny and moving. Thank you Eric. You are a champion too. Gave much joy to Kiwi rugby fans for many years too. Kapai.

[@TheAtticradio]

He was some athlete you never really see him run any other way but straight down the wing … must have been one of the greatest ever

[@jacobekinye5409]

5

[@annefilippobertozzi7601]

Thanks for sharing this great speech.

[@aldiladelbeneedelmale8465]

Thank you for watching. I am Italian and I was there in New Zealand by chance those days (an Italian flag pops up in the video at a certain point of the video). I simply consider Jonah as the best rugby player I have ever seen. All the best mate!

[@annefilippobertozzi7601]

@@aldiladelbeneedelmale8465 grazie, allora… ciao.

[@aldiladelbeneedelmale8465]

@@annefilippobertozzi7601 è un piacere! Ciao e buon weekend !

[@jeanfrancis9985]

That was one helluva speech Eric. ❤❤

[@losiv8097]

Solid as always the Rushies. Eric's little bro Robert (Mr Rush) was my P.E teacher at my secondary school in South Auckland Aorere College where Mark Hunt attended a few years before me. At the time Mr Rush my pe teacher was playing halfback for Otahuhu rugby club in Aucklands premier Club Rugby first Division with Keven Mealamu at hooker and at the time his last last year at our school and Charlie Faumuina one of the props. Their only time to have won the Gallagher shield I remember me and a few if not our whole pe class and some of the school members other teachers included were at Eden Park to watch them play against Ponsonby probably the club that has produced the most all Black's on the day Carlos Spencer was at 10 Paul Williams at 15 Sam Tuitupou at 12. Was a brilliant game of rugby Otahuhu too strong on the day. Coached by the late Geoff Moon who also was a pe teacher at my secondary school before being poached by neighbouring all boys Catholic school De La Salle College where John Kirwan, Lesley Vainikolo, Isaia Toeava a few that went school their. At the end of that year for our 6th Form PE class we went on a mean 10 day camp up to Rushies hometown of Matangirau not far from Kaeao, Paihea beach where we all met some of his family including his mum and some of the sibs. Was definitely a highlight growing up. Camping, making bivvies, survival activities, lifeguarding, pool entries, kayaks, horse riding, boil ups, long drop haha. I'm Samoan and I'm so humbly proud to have met this guy and his whanau .. tu meke te Mihi bro. Kia Kaha, kia toa, kia manawanui, ko te Atua 🤍 ko tatou piriinga ko tatou Kaha 🤪

[@saturdayplayer2492]

The greatest player to ever play the game.

[@deanwitt7903]

Jonah to rugby is just as big as Pele was in world football . The all blacks acquired an absolute freak of nature when Jonah came along . People packed out stadiums just to witness the greatness of the man .That may never happen again .

[@karenritzdavis8353]

Kia ora Eric, lots of AROHA in your korero. Jonah went to soon! May he be blessed and looking over his whanau, Nadene, and their two handsome sons. Arohnaui xoxo

[@jamescrawford9643]

I SMILE FROM EAR TO EAR WITH TEARS IN MY EYES. I'LL LOVE YOU JONAH TIL I MEET YOU AT THE RUGBY PITCH IN THE SKY! RIP JONAH...🏉💓🕊️

[@johnhopoate1974]

Great tribute to a Legend of the game from a legend himself

[@andrewbartlemore2180]

Brilliant player so sad to have died at such a young age

[@lucymooch5821]

Thank you Eric, and thank you Jonah. Memories until I pass myself.

[@jjruss8238]

Great speech. Very emotional. It was powerful when Eric thanks Jonah's mother for sharing him with the rest of the world. So much meaning in that.

[@kiallheta2974]

Nice one Rushie. Held it together well👍

[@maxkazzora4234]

Erick Rush, you did Jonah and his family proud. A great tribute by Erick. 👏👏👏👍👍He was much loved worldwide. I had the pleasure to meet him in London in Parklane where I live. He looked like a giant while I was looking up at him getting a nose bleed. 😂😂

[@tekopuakanapanapa6824]

Legendary tribute for a legendary player.

[@shaun469]

I remember meeting eric at his parents place. Rip jonah. You legend