John Lomu, younger brother of Jonah Lomu, appears at the Manukau District Court, charged with importing drugs. Photo: Stuff / Ricky Wilson
The brother of All Black great Jonah Lomu is accused of being involved in a methamphetamine ring that imported thousands of dollars worth of the drug into New Zealand.
John Makatoa Lomu, the former All Black star's younger brother, appeared at the Manukau District Court on Friday where his court ordered name suppression lapsed.
The 46-year-old, together with Silila Vaivai, face charges of importing and possessing methamphetamine.
They face further charges of importing and possessing an unknown class-A drug.
They have pleaded not guilty to all charges and elected trial by jury.
Judge Nick Webby set a date for the pair to be back in court in October.
Lomu and Vaivai are both on bail.
Lomu declined to talk to Stuff as he left Court and hid his face with his black hoodie.
The offending is said to have happened in August and September 2023.
John and Jonah played rugby league together as children in Manukau.
In 2019, John Lomu told Niu FM that Jonah got him his first car when he was still in school.
Jonah Lomu, aged 40, died from a heart attack in November 2015 following a long struggle with kidney failure.
The rugby superstar played 63 tests for the All Blacks between 1994 and 2002.
In his eight years, mostly in the number 11 jersey, he scored 37 tries.
Lomu's prowess on the wing was helped by his size and speed and his ability to attack was unrivalled.
A highlight of his career came in the 1995 World Cup semifinal against England in South Africa when he ran straight over and through England's full back Mike Catt.
- This story was first published by Stuff.