French rugby authorities have enrolled All Black great Jonah Lomu's young sons to boost their bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Nadene Lomu with sons Brayley and Dhyreille (right) at France's World Cup presentation Photo: Supplied
France, Ireland and South Africa are currently presenting their bids to World Rugby to host the 2023 tournament with all three promising millions and top class facilities for the event.
The Irish, who have never been the main host, are the bookmaker's favourite, but the French have made an emotional presentation including an appearance by Jonah Lomus sons seven-year-old Dhyreille and eight-year-old Brayley.
Lomu played three matches in Marseille at the end of his career in 2009-10 and Dhyreille was born in the French city.
Dhyreille and Brayley Lomu at France's 2023 Rugby world cup presentation Photo: Supplied
French Rugby flew the boys, along with their mother Nadene Lomu, to London for their presentation and France's bid ambassador former international Sebastien Chabal said the boys fully supported France's attempt to host the 2023 tournament.
"Dyhreille told us ealier, quite simply, he's known as the Frenchie at home," said Chabal.
"They said they would love to come back in 2023 to experience the World cup in the country where their father was so happy."
Nadene Lomu told Le Parisien the idea for their appearance came from Claude Atcher, the director of the French bid and a man well known to Lomu during his time in Marseille.
Jonah Lomu campaigned for organ donors in France after his 2004 kidney transplant. He is pictured visiting transplant recipients in Bordeaux Hospital in 2008. Photo: AFP
"They were very excited," said Nadene Lomu.
"For us, France is our second home. Dhyreille was born in Marseille. He tells everyone that he is French. Jonah loved this country very much and we feel good about it."
The World Cup board will declare its recommended candidate on October 31 with the host nation formally announced on November 15.
