Jonah Lomu was 'entangled with debt' when he died, New Zealand players' union set up trust fund for his children

The New Zealand Rugby Players Association has set up a fund for the children of Jonah Lomu, after it emerged the player’s finances were “entangled with debt”.

The All Blacks legend passed away unexpectedly in Auckland, aged 40, in November. He had suffered from the rare kidney illness, nephrotic syndrome since his twenties and underwent a transplant in 2004; his body rejected the kidney in 2011 and he was reportedly awaiting a second transplant at the time of his death.

‘The Jonah Lomu Legacy Trust’ will provide for Lomu’s sons Dhyreille, 6, and Brayley, 5.

The chief executive of the players association, Rob Nichol, told the New Zealand Herald the trust was established by individuals who had seen summaries of Lomu’s finances and have already started seeking donations.

“There’s not going to be any great windfall. There’s not great savings there. There’s certainly nothing that’s going to sustain any ongoing financial benefit for the family.

“What we’ve seen is a statement of where it’s at. And it’s not there, assets and liabilities-wise. Our assessment is the family aren’t going to be able to rely on any financial proceeds or ongoing benefits.”

According to the Herald, who have seen a record of Lomu’s financials, they were “entangled with debt”.

Asked why the rugby union player could have encountered the difficulties, Mr Nichol attributed part of the explanation to his history of illness reminding that he continued to use a dialysis machine several times a week.

“People probably assumed he was still on a pretty good wicket and able to do a lot of work and earn a lot of money. I think we all assumed he was continuing to work and do stuff but when we look at it now I don’t think that was the case. With his illness, it was a tough gig.”

Mr Nichol also said the Cardiff Blues player was particularly generous.

“His generosity was obviously a massive part of it. He has definitely taken on obligations of others... whether it’s financial or other kinds of obligations at the expense of himself, Nadene and the boys.”

Nadene is the widow of Lomu, who reportedly will not be a beneficiary of the Trust but can apply to the Trust for money to help with the raising of their children.

Thousands turned out to Lomu’s funeral at the Eden Park stadium in Auckland last month.

An emotional mass Haka was performed by friends and colleagues as a tribute to the player and the Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Key, recorded a video message.

Queen Elizabeth II reportedly sent a message of condolence to his family after learning of his passing.