{"id":349638,"date":"2026-01-03T08:50:12","date_gmt":"2026-01-03T08:50:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/349638\/"},"modified":"2026-01-03T08:50:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-03T08:50:12","slug":"jonah-lomus-jaw-dropping-gym-records-still-put-todays-rugby-stars-to-shame","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/349638\/","title":{"rendered":"Jonah Lomu\u2019s Jaw-Dropping Gym Records Still Put Today\u2019s Rugby Stars to Shame"},"content":{"rendered":"

At his best he was virtually unstoppable as any opponent who dared to stand in his way during Rugby World Cup 1995 will testify. <\/p>\n

Join the\u00a0RUCK\u2019s WhatsApp community here<\/a>\u00a0and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.<\/p>\n

The giant winger, the most physically impressive specimen the world of rugby had seen, was an instant sensation, scoring seven tries \u2013 four of them in the semi-final win over England \u2013 as the All Blacks reached their second final.<\/p>\n

All this while Lomu battled against the debilitating effects of nephrotic syndrome, a condition that would ultimately cost him his life in November 2015, aged just 40. <\/p>\n

A legend in every sense of the word, Lomu scaled similar heights to those he reached in South Africa at RWC 1999, the eight tries he scored taking his overall tally to 15 \u2013 a record since matched by Bryan Habana.<\/p>\n

Lomu scored 37 tries in 63 tests for the All Blacks and helped New Zealand win gold at the 1998 Commonwealth Games.<\/p>\n

During a Q&A with the Independent, Lomu revealed some advice for players, as well as his impressive gym records at the time.<\/p>\n

How do you adapt your training routine to combine the speed and strength which are so essential to your game?<\/p>\n

Of the two, speed is the crucial thing. I seem to react fairly quickly to weights \u2013 in a week I could put on two and a half or three kilos \u2013 so I have to be careful not to train too much and to stay away from the weights a bit. I do repeated speed and cross-training every day. It\u2019s weights for an hour and a half on Monday and then back to the gym later in the week, but mainly for plyometrics and bungee cord. It\u2019s about building up explosive power.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

What advice would you give to young players keen to follow in your footsteps?<\/p>\n

I\u2019d tell them to enjoy the game and everything else will follow. They need to train as hard as they can but enjoying the game is the most important thing. I discovered rugby union when I went to boarding school \u2013 it was the only contact sport they played.<\/p>\n

How important is diet?<\/p>\n

I pretty much eat the way I feel. We can eat what we like as long as we don\u2019t eat too much. It\u2019s down to us really, but if you don\u2019t look after yourself you\u2019re always going to get shown up on the field.<\/p>\n

What do you eat before a big game?<\/p>\n

I normally have a large helping of mashed potatoes, bread and spaghetti \u2013 with tomato sauce. Most of it is just about carbo-loading really.<\/p>\n

GYM RECORDS: <\/p>\n

Benchpress: 220kg<\/p>\n

Squad: 340kg<\/p>\n

EDITORS PICKS:<\/p>\n

Jonah Lomu included England legend when naming his toughest ever opponent<\/p>\n

Back in 2001, All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu revealed some of the toughest opponents he faced during his iconic career. These four players stood out as pivotal in his selection.<\/p>\n

4. Joost van der Westhuizen (South Africa)<\/p>\n

South African rugby legend, known for his exceptional skills as a scrum-half. Van der Westhuizen captivated fans with his speed, agility, and tactical brilliance. A key figure in the Springboks\u2019 1995 Rugby World Cup triumph, his legacy continues to inspire generations of rugby fans.<\/p>\n

JONAH LOMU SAID: \u201cSuch an honour to have played against him. Still not sure how he made that tackle on me during the 1995 final (Rugby World Cup). I just looked down and my legs were gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

DID YOU KNOW? He was inducted into the\u00a0International Rugby Hall of Fame<\/a>\u00a0in 2007<\/p>\n

3. Martin Johnson (England)<\/p>\n

Towering presence in English rugby, renowned for his leadership and uncompromising style as a lock forward. Johnson\u2019s imposing stature and tactical acumen made him a formidable force on the pitch. Captaining England to Rugby World Cup victory in 2003 solidified his status as a true rugby legend.<\/p>\n

LOMU SAID: \u201cFew players demanded respect on the field like him.\u00a0A great guy off the field too.\u201d<\/p>\n

DID YOU KNOW?\u00a0In 1990 he was even selected for the New Zealand under-21 side which went on a tour of Australia<\/p>\n

CONTINUES ON PAGE\u00a0TWO<\/a><\/p>\n

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