Imagine a rugby player so dominant, so universally recognized, that he could single-handedly sell both bone-crushing tackles and cheesy pizzas. That was Jonah Lomu. But here's a story you probably haven't heard, a quirky tale involving Lomu, Pizza Hut, and the mother of two England players who faced his wrath on the field.
Next Tuesday marks a somber milestone: the 10th anniversary of the passing of Jonah Lomu, a titan whose impact on rugby union is simply immeasurable. On November 18, 2015, the world mourned the loss of this All Blacks legend, who succumbed to a heart attack linked to a long-term kidney disorder. Lomu's legacy, however, continues to inspire awe and admiration. Even Queen Elizabeth II paid her respects, highlighting the global impact of his passing.
Lomu wasn't just a rugby player; he was a phenomenon. His imposing physique, raw power, and astonishing agility captivated audiences worldwide. He became a superstar in New Zealand and a global icon, transcending the sport itself.
And 2025 will mark 30 years since the 1995 World Cup, the stage where Lomu unleashed his full potential, leaving an indelible mark on the game. His earth-shattering performances propelled New Zealand to the final, where they narrowly lost to South Africa. But it was the semi-final against England that cemented Lomu's legendary status. He scored four tries, dismantling the English defense with terrifying ease. England captain Will Carling famously described him as a "freak," a testament to Lomu's unparalleled talent. But here's where it gets controversial... some argue that Carling's comment, while perhaps intended as admiration, also subtly downplayed the years of hard work and dedication that Lomu poured into his game. What do you think?
The 1995 World Cup also served as a catalyst for the sport's transition to professionalism. Lomu, the newly crowned global superstar, found himself at the forefront of this revolution. Players, executives, and coaches alike scrambled to adapt to a new era of salaries, contracts, and commercial opportunities.
One such oddity emerged just a month after that watershed moment. On the wings for England in that fateful semi-final were the Underwood brothers: Rory and Tony. Tony, the man tasked with the unenviable job of marking Lomu. Rory, the elder brother, a two-time Lion and England's Test try-scoring record holder. Tony etched his name in England's history by scoring the crucial, length-of-the-field try in England's 1995 quarter-final victory over Australia and also went on the 1997 Lions tour. And both were about to embark on a rather unusual post-World Cup experience.
In an era where innovative ways to celebrate Lomu's legacy are constantly sought, like TNT's recent Lomu: The Lost Tapes documentary, the story of one of his most peculiar moments remains largely untold. Until now.
A month after the 1995 World Cup, Rory Underwood received a call from Diana van Bunnens, a sports client manager at Park Associates, the company owned by Gary Lineker's agent, Jon Holmes. Van Bunnens had an intriguing proposition: Pizza Hut wanted to film an advertisement featuring Rory, Tony, and their mother, Annie. And, of course, Lomu.
The concept was simple, yet hilarious: Lomu would be devouring pizza while Tony looked on with longing. Then, Rory and Annie would dramatically enter the scene, culminating in Annie doing what no English player had managed to do a month prior:
