New Zealander Clark targets Tokyo ‘New Lomo’

All Blacks winger Caleb Clark, whose impressive races are comparable to those of legendary Jonah Lomu, has announced to New Zealand’s Sevens rugby team with the goal of competing in the Tokyo Olympics this summer.

Clarke, like winger Etienne Nanai Citoro, are the only two players to play in Super Rugby (first playing for the Oakland Blues, second for the Chiefs) to join the Sevens national team two months before the Games, “with an Olympic medal in the camera lens,” according to a statement from New Zealand Rugby Union. They must now participate in two rounds, after which the selection for Japan will be announced. However, their presence in the Olympic group appears to be a formality.

“Every time Caleb and Etienne have been in our group, they have been impressed. It’s great that they wanted to come back and try to be part of the Olympic team,” said Tony Phillip, who is in charge of the high level with the All Blacks. “Having Clark is a huge blow to the New Zealand Rugby Sevens.” Clarke, 22, is also a very good VII player, winning the World Tour last year.

In 2020, Caleb Clark earned his first pick with the All Blacks. In five matches, he was very much reminiscent of Jonah Lomo for his way of using his physical strength (1.89m, 107kg) to crush his opponents. “Going to the Olympics will be a unique opportunity, so I can’t wait to get back to training and give my best,” said the new Lomo.

Jonah Lomo, who died in 2015, also started out in rugby sevens before breaking out on the 15th. “I feel I have a huge responsibility to do jersey justice,” said Clark, whose father played for Lomo last year.