Move over, New Zealand \u2013 Jonah Lomu\u2019s son, Dhyreille Jonah Lomu, has set his sights on playing for France! <\/p>\n
Watch the Guinness Six Nations at your local\u00a0Greene King sports pub<\/a>.<\/p>\n Born in France, he would have no difficulty qualifying to represent the French national team.<\/p>\n Nicknamed\u00a0\u201cFrenchie\u201d\u00a0during his school days in New Zealand, Dhyreille drew attention at youth tournaments with his impressive early performances that hinted at real potential. <\/p>\n Jonah\u2019s time in France came towards the end of his glittering career, which also included a spell at Cardiff Blues. Tragically, the global rugby superstar passed away in 2015.<\/p>\n Lomu finished with\u00a063 caps and 37 tries\u00a0for New Zealand \u2013 and is still widely regarded as the game\u2019s first global megastar.<\/p>\n But while Jonah lit up the rugby field, his teenage sons Brayley and Dhyreille are carving their own path \u2013 with a tennis ball, not a rugby one.<\/p>\n Their dream of becoming professional athletes led to a switch four years ago from traditional schooling to Te Kura, New Zealand\u2019s correspondence school, so they could maximise their training time.<\/p>\n \u201cProfessional sport is hard, but playing tennis is our life. I love all kinds of exercise, and doing online school means we can fit in a lot more training,\u201d\u00a0says Dhyreille, who strongly resembles his famous dad.<\/p>\n \u201cDepending on when we can get court time, I can be playing tennis from 9am until about 7.30pm.<\/p>\n \u201cMy dream is to become a number one professional tennis player in the world,<\/p>\n \u201cDad will always be the best and I thought to maybe give something else a try cause I\u2019ll never be better than him,\u201d<\/p>\n Could tennis become the new family legacy?<\/p>\n Join RUCK\u2019s Instagram broadcast channel\u00a0<\/a>and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.<\/p>\n EDITORS PICKS:<\/p>\n Sir Ian McGeechan ranks the best wingers of all time, Jason Robinson fifth<\/p>\n Lions legend and rugby brainbox Sir Ian McGeechan has named the ten greatest wingers ever to grace the game \u2013 and there are some absolute flyers in the mix.<\/p>\n 10. Rory Underwood (England) <\/p>\n Underwood, a legendary figure in English rugby, dominated the sport with his blistering speed and remarkable try-scoring ability. As a winger for the English national team throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Underwood\u2019s exploits on the field became the stuff of legend. His impressive career includes multiple Rugby World Cup appearances and a reputation as one of England\u2019s most prolific try scorers, cementing his status as an icon of the game.<\/p>\n McGeechan wrote: \u201cMaybe not quite as clever as some of the others but a lethal finisher who was exceptionally quick and very, very strong.\u201d <\/p>\n 9. Shane Williams (Wales)<\/p>\n Williams, a diminutive yet dynamic force in rugby, captivated fans worldwide with his exceptional skill and agility on the field. As one of Wales\u2019 most beloved players, Williams\u2019 career saw him redefine the role of the winger, weaving through defenses with unmatched flair and speed. With a plethora of accolades, including a Rugby World Cup appearance and numerous Six Nations triumphs, he remains a symbol of Welsh rugby excellence and a testament to the power of perseverance and talent.<\/p>\n McGeechan wrote: \u201cDefied convention because he was so small, but he was powerful and sharp. Wales have not been the same attacking force since he finished. He could raise their game on his own.\u201d<\/p>\n 8. Ieuan Evans (Wales)<\/p>\n Former Welsh rugby union player Ieuan Evans is renowned for his electrifying pace and try-scoring prowess. A stalwart of the Welsh national team during the late 1980s and 1990s, Evans\u2019 skillful play earned him numerous accolades, including captaincy of Wales. With a career spanning over a decade, he remains one of Wales\u2019 most celebrated rugby icons, embodying precision, agility, and leadership on the field.<\/p>\n McGeechan wrote: \u201cAlways one of my favourites because of my experiences with him as a British and Irish Lion. Like all the Welsh wingers, he had such a good sidestep but could combine acceleration with that. He was a superb finisher, especially in tight situations.\u201d<\/p>\n CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n