Auckland, NZ – The younger brother of All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu has pleaded guilty to drug‑related charges, bringing a halt to a trial that had been scheduled to begin this week at the Manukau District Court.
John Makatoa Lomu, 49, entered the guilty plea alongside co‑accused Silila Vaivai, 37. The pair had originally faced charges of importing and possessing methamphetamine following a police investigation that ran between August and September 2023.
On Monday, Lomu admitted to possessing an unknown quantity of a controlled drug, while Vaivai pleaded guilty to importing an unknown amount of a controlled drug. Both men were remanded on bail and are expected to return to court for sentencing later this year.
Police first charged the pair in May 2024 after the months‑long inquiry uncovered their alleged involvement in drug‑related offending.
John and his famous brother Jonah grew up in Manukau, where they played junior rugby league together. In a 2019 interview with Niu FM, John recalled the close bond he shared with Jonah, including the time the All Blacks winger bought him his first car while he was still a student.
Jonah Lomu, widely regarded as one of the greatest players to wear the black jersey, died in November 2015 at the age of 40 following long‑term kidney complications. Between 1994 and 2002, he played 63 tests for the All Blacks, scoring 37 tries and redefining wing play with his unmatched combination of size, power and pace.
One of his most memorable moments came during the 1995 Rugby World Cup semifinal in South Africa, where he famously steamrolled England fullback Mike Catt — a moment still celebrated as one of rugby’s most iconic tries.
The court will set a sentencing date for John Lomu and Silila Vaivai later in the year, as the case continues to attract public interest due to its connection to one of New Zealand’s most beloved sporting families.
