Eden Park unveils Jonah Lomu Mural in Players’ Tunnel

Eden Park has unveiled a powerful new mural honouring one of rugby’s most legendary figures: Jonah Lomu. Titled Number 11, the piece was created by renowned New Zealand artist Owen Dippie and is now permanently housed in the stadium’s Players’ Tunnel.

Owen’s mural immortalises Lomu, capturing both his raw athletic power and the deep reverence he continues to command in New Zealand and around the world. Painted on the very walls players pass before every match, the mural ensures that the first thing the All Blacks see as they arrive on game day is the face of one of their greatest-ever teammates.

Owen Dippie, the artist behind the mural, shared: “For me, the eyes say everything. With Jonah, there was this incredible presence—on and off the field—and I wanted that to hit you the moment you saw him. His stare in this piece is meant to hold your gaze, to remind you of his power, mana, and the legacy he left behind. This mural isn’t just about sport, it’s about spirit. Jonah was more than a player—he was a force. And there’s no better place to honour that legacy than Eden Park, where legends are remembered and new ones are made.”

Jonah Lomu wasn’t just a giant of the game—he was a cultural icon, a trailblazer, and a hero to generations of fans, particularly in the Pasifika community. His recent induction into the Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame in 2024 reaffirmed his status as a transformative force who reshaped the global perception of rugby and inspired pride across Aotearoa and the Pacific.

Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner shared his hope for the mural: “Eden Park is a world-class venue that has hosted some of the most iconic moments in global sport, so it felt only fitting that the walls of this stadium should reflect the calibre of those who have left a lasting impact on the game. Jonah Lomu was a world-class athlete in every sense—an icon whose legacy transcends the sport of rugby. There is no one more deserving to be immortalised here. For our national team to step off the bus and be greeted by his image is a powerful reminder of the pride, passion, and greatness that define both Jonah and Eden Park.”

The mural not only pays tribute to Lomu’s iconic number 11 jersey but also captures the spirit, strength, and legacy of Jonah himself.