Chairman Peter Thomas had led the tributes to ‘inspirational’ former Cardiff Blues player Jonah Lomu after the sad news of his sudden death.

Cardiff Blues will tomorrow (Thursday) pay tribute to the wing legend with a minute’s applause prior to the European Rugby Challenge Cup encounter with Harlequins.

Global superstar Lomu captured the imagination of fans across the world during his 63 Tests for the All Blacks.

He was also a huge favourite for Cardiff Blues during a 10-game spell in 2005 and Chairman Peter Thomas has reflected on the huge impact the big man had at the Arms Park.

“Jonah was with us ten years ago and from the moment he arrived you were simply in awe of the man,” said Thomas.

“Not only because his size and his presence, but because of everything he did, the way he conducted himself.

“I well remember introducing him to the dressing room for the first time. In those days we had amazing players like Gethin Jenkins, Martyn Williams, Paul Tito and Xavier Rush. They were in awe of this giant of a man.

“Obviously he wasn’t the player then that he was in 1995, but everything he did was so inspirational.

“The very first game he had here we saw the sold out signs go up an hour before kick-off. That shows the mark of the man and what impact he had on our game,” he added.

“Whatever you asked him to do, be that on the field or off it, he always gave it 100 per cent.

“The fans simply adored him and the time he would spend with them, signing autographs or going into the clubhouse, was fantastic.

“With any hospital or school visits, he was always readily available. He was just an iconic person who will be missed by so many.”

#RIPJonah #Lomu11