Agency behind 'teardrop fern' Jonah Lomu tribute wants to help charity

The striking impression now graces tens of thousands of Facebook pages and has even shown up on clothing worn by Lomu's young sons. Photo / Supplied

The Irish creative agency behind the teardrop fern design used to mark the passing of Jonah Lomu wants the image to raise money for the charity linked to the rugby great.

The striking impression now graces tens of thousands of Facebook pages and has even shown up on clothing worn by Lomu's young sons.

Dublin-based Chemistry's managing director Ray Sheerin told the Herald he wants to see the now famous tribute used to benefit New Zealand's Kidney Kids, a charity dear to Lomu's heart.

He suggested the design be printed on a rugby jersey and T-shirt with profits going to the charity.

Dublin-based Chemistry's managing director Ray Sheerin says he wants to see the now famous tribute used to benefit New Zealand's Kidney Kids, a charity dear to Jonah Lomu's heart. Photo / Supplied

And he was also keen to see the modified fern used on a commemorative All Black strip if a testimonial match went ahead.

An approach had been made to New Zealand Rugby and adidas to partner in the venture.

Mr Sheerin said it was an opportunity to use the phenomenal goodwill generated internationally and turn it into something meaningful.

"If these things can be sold, given the amount of interest there is globally, and the profits go to Kidney Kids how amazing would that be?

"It gives [people] an opportunity to channel that in some way that they can go, 'At least I've done something decent here' as opposed to going, 'Oh my god this is terrible'."

He said people all over the world had taken the image to their hearts with thousands using it as a tribute on Facebook profiles.

Both the Irish Examiner, which used the image on its front page to mark Lomu's passing, and the agency had been overwhelmed by people expressing their gratitude.

He said it would be terrible to think people would cash in on Lomu's death using the design for their own commerce with no direct benefit to either his charity or his family.

Irish Examiner editor Tim Vaughan said the reaction from all over the world had been phenomenal but he was left speechless when he saw Lomu's young sons Brayley and Dhyreille wearing the fern.

"I certainly didn't expect it to be worn by his two little boys. It was a 'hair standing on the back of your neck' moment.

"I've kids myself but just seeing his kids wearing the image, I was speechless."

He had been deluged by email and comments on social media thanking the paper for the image.

"It just shows the sheer level of love and admiration that Jonah was held in all over the world," said Mr Vaughan.

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew said New Zealand Rugby would consider how best to recognise Lomu.

After significant figures in New Zealand rugby passed away, the union had taken time to work out a fitting way to acknowledge their contribution to the game.

Adidas New Zealand country manager Quentin Bleakley said the company was working closely with New Zealand Rugby to mark Lomu's passing.