Jonah Lomu: Eric Rush's touching speech has mourners crying and laughing

Former All Black Eric Rush delivered a humerous and heartwarming speech as he farewelled his former teammate Jonah Lomu at Eden Park yesterday.

Rush, who played alongside Lomu in both the All Blacks and the New Zealand Sevens side, delivered a hilarious speech touching on his memories of the "big fella" before breaking down.

"Whenever me and the big fella got together we'd take the mickey out of each other, and that's not going to change today," Rush said.

"I'm going to tell a few stories about the big fella and hope he doesn't sit up."

Fans laugh as Rush shares moments from Lomu's life. Photo / Getty Images

Rush shared memories of their time on the field together and how he got to know the two different versions of Lomu.

He spoke of the "beast on the field" and the "very private man" outside of the game.

Rush remembered the first time he saw a "real joy" in Lomu and that was when his wife Nadene brought their two sons into the world.

"The real tragedy of his death is that he's not going to see these young fellas grow up."

While he may have been known as a colossus on the field Rush said he will remember him as a "good mate, and most importantly a loving dad".

"We were blessed to be a part it."

- nzherald.co.nz