By Emma Jolliff
All Black great Jonah Lomu is famous for his speed but it is his ability to flex his muscles that is being judged today.
Lomu is taking part in his first ever bodybuilding competition in Wellington tonight.
Swapping the rugby jersey for a skimpy pair of underwear, it is Jonah Lomu as you have never seen him before
“I'm loving it - it's a great driver, a great way to focus, that's one thing I’ve taken from this sport,” he says.
Lomu reassures rugby fans he is still running and doing core rugby training as well.
At 115 kilos, he has lost 35 kilos in the last six months.
Lomu has not been that weight since he left school and he says he feels different.
“Fast actually, I feel quick, I feel light,” he says.
Trainer Joe Ulberg says Lomu has made remarkable progress.
“Very proud of him, like a brother, so pleased to see him come a long way from what he used to be,” he says.
It has been five years since Lomu had a kidney transplant, donated by friend Grant Kereama.
Lomu says his new pursuit is part of staying fit and healthy.
“I want to keep my health right and also at the same time show that there is life after rugby, and also after a transplant, more than anything else,” he says.
Lomu's bodybuilding partner, Tracey Toulis, has overcome her own health issues; she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and is full of praise for the former rugby star.
“He's great, he accepts everything and he gives great advice,” she says.
“I couldn't ask for a better friend and person to do this with.”
But bodybuilding will not replace Lomu's first priority, rugby.
“I don't have anything to prove to anyone else, the only thing I want to do is grow the game,” he says.
“Show the people the love of the game that I have and take it to places where rugby's not really known, hence why I’ve gone to Marseilles.”
Lomu heads to Marseille in November.
3 News