Who is the youngest player to ever make their debut for the New Zealand national rugby team, the All Blacks?

In the rich history of the New Zealand national rugby team, the All Blacks, one name shines brightly as the youngest player ever to make their debut: Jonah Lomu. At a tender age of 19 years and 45 days, Lomu donned the All Blacks jersey for the first time on 26 June 1994, facing off against France. Little did the world know that this young prodigy would go on to leave an indelible mark on the sport and etch his name in the annals of rugby greatness.

Born in Tonga in 1975, Lomu's journey to rugby stardom began when he and his family relocated to New Zealand at the age of 10. His exceptional talents on the rugby field quickly became evident, earning him a spot in the New Zealand under-19 team in 1993, followed by selection for the under-21 team in 1994.

Lomu's debut for the All Blacks against France in 1994 was nothing short of remarkable. Displaying a blend of power and speed, he scored two awe-inspiring tries, propelling the All Blacks to a resounding 22-8 victory. The world took notice, and Lomu's name echoed through stadiums as he became an overnight sensation. His meteoric rise was further acknowledged when he was crowned the International Rugby Board's Player of the Year in 1995.

Over the next eight years, Lomu continued to astound audiences with his prowess on the rugby field. He represented the All Blacks in two Rugby World Cups, contributing to their

historic triumph in 1995. Lomu's impact transcended mere statistics; his immense physicality and unrivalled speed forever changed the way the game was played.