The global Rugby community came together last Thursday in the Winter Marquee on Finsbury Square in the heart of the City of London. The Legacy Trust set up in NZ to provide for Jonah’s two young sons, had the foresight and courage to put on an event in London, believing that Jonah’s impact on the game transcended one country and was universal. And they were right.
1000 guests attended the black tie occasion honouring Jonah who tragically passed away a year ago.
Ex-England lock Martin Bayfield MC’d, and was joined by Zinzan Brooke, Justin Marshall, Ali Williams, Anton Oliver, Jonny Wilkinson, Martin Johnson, Schalk Burger, Neil Back, Michael Lynagh and many other Rugby Legends.
I hosted a table for four Lancaster Royal Grammar School students, three teachers and Old Lancashian father and son Brian (ex-England Coach) and Tony (ex-England video analyst) Ashton. What a night.
Eddie Jones and Dylan Hartley took time off before their game vs Australia and spoke warmly about Jonah; a man who transcended Rugby, as Pelé did soccer, Michael Jordan did basketball, Wayne Gretsky did hockey, Mohammed Ali did boxing, and Tiger Woods did golf.
Bravo England. Bravo Rugby.