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Rugby Legend Lomu Laid To Rest At Funeral

Rugby Legend Lomu Laid To Rest At Funeral

Rugby legend Jonah Lomu has been laid to rest at a private funeral in his hometown in New Zealand.

The Mormon ceremony took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mangere, the south Auckland suburb where Lomu grew up.

His wife Nadene, flanked by sons Brayley, six, and Dhyreille, five, addressed mourners from an altar that was surrounded by pale roses.

The boys wore black shirts bearing the winger's number 11, the position their father revolutionised as he became rugby's first global star.

:: Rugby Legend Jonah Lomu Dies Aged 40

After eulogies, prayers and hymns, Lomu's coffin was taken from the church to the Manukau Memorial Gardens Cemetery for a private burial.

The event was in contrast to the scenes of public grief the previous day, when thousands of fans attended a memorial at Eden Park, the spiritual home of New Zealand rugby.

There was also a memorial for the Pacific community to remember Lomu, who had Tongan roots, last Saturday.

Tuesday's funeral was a chance for extended family to say goodbye.

:: Jonah Lomu: 'A Legend And A Gentleman'

Former All Blacks coach John Hart, who has been acting as a spokesman for the family since Lomu died on 18 November, said: "It's bringing to the end a great celebration, the final stage of the journey for Jonah and his family."

Since Lomu's shock death tributes have poured in from across the game, with many current players recalling how he inspired them to take up rugby.

Such was his fame that condolences also came in from outside the sport, including from the Queen, former footballer David Beckham, actor Morgan Freeman and singer Elton John.

Lomu's sudden death at the age of 40 followed an almost 20 year battle with the kidney ailment nephrotic syndrome.