John Key couldn't make it to today's Eden Park service for Jonah Lomu, but managed to send a message to the All Black legend's family.
In a video message broadcast at the event, the Prime Minister reflected on how much Lomu meant to New Zealand.
"Everyone recognised Jonah as an outstanding rugby player," he said. "He was respected and admired all around the world, and rightly so."
Bill English attended the Auckland service as acting Prime Minister while Mr Key is in Paris for climate change talks.
Watch the video for John Key's full message.