The grave site of Jonah Lomu at the Manukau Memorial Gardens. Photo / Jason Oxenham
Nadene Lomu has revealed that people are stealing tokens left by her children at Jonah's grave.
In an emotional appeal on Facebook, the All Black great's widow wrote that it "saddens" me that the things "our sons choose for you keep being taken away from your place of rest".
She described how Brayley and Dhyreille were in tears after discovering that their "treasured gifts of love" had been taken.
"I will continue to be a good example so they know there is much good to be thankful for and to hold them close every time they cry wanting you back because how upsetting it is seeing their gifts of love for you keep being removed since you departed," she wrote.
The boys' grandmother, Lois Quirk, added to the post with her own message of shock and disbelief: "Saddens me so much to see my beautiful grandsons working hard putting their decorations of flowers in 'once again' for their daddy and they keep being taken away. Seeing their crying makes my heart ache."
Former All Black Eric Rush was shocked and angered by the incident when contacted by the Herald this morning.
Rush, who delivered an emotional speech at Lomu's funeral just over seven weeks ago, slammed the thefts has an insult to Lomu's memory - making a heartfelt plea for the thieving to stop and for the stolen items to be given back.
"It shows a complete lack of Mana," Rush told the Herald.
"To steal from someone's grave, that is just appalling. Just disgraceful."
"To the people or person who has taken these items, if you have got anything about you, you will give it back. I don't care if it's anonymous, just give it back."
Rush urged the culprits to consider how "deeply hurtful" their actions have been to Lomu's grieving widow Nadene and his young sons Brayley and Dhyreille.
"This is all still very raw for Nadene and the boys and people have to think about what they are going through. It's great people want to pay there respects to Jonah, but please, do not put this family through any more hurt," he said.
"If anyone has any information about where these items are, please do the right thing and come forward."
Hawke's Bay hosts Christmas lunches for those seeking company and support.