Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (Ador) will be boosted by three of New Zealand’s most loved sporting heroes when competitive action in the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) resumes at the end of the stopover in Auckland this weekend.

New Zealand rugby legend Jonah Lomu — scorer of the most tries in Rugby World Cup history with 15 — will step aboard Ador’s racing yacht Azzam as celebrity guest for the New Zealand Herald In-Port Race on Saturday.

The following day, when Ador sets out on Leg 5 to Brazil, All Blacks superstars Richie McCaw and Dan Carter will be on board for the inshore section before jumping from Azzam’s stern as she heads into open ocean.

British double Olympic silver medallist Ian Walker, skipper of the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority-backed team, said having the world-class trio sail on Azzam was an exciting prospect.

“There are few more well-recognised names in sport than Lomu, McCaw and Carter — they are household names here in New Zealand and also highly regarded by sporting fans around the world,” Walker said. “We can’t wait to meet them and give them a taste of what ocean racing is like.”

Lomu exploded onto the international rugby scene at the 1995 World Cup in South Africa, when his power and pace made him the scourge of the world’s best defences. He represented his country 63 times, scoring 37 tries.

“When I received an invitation to join the guys competing in this ultimate round-the-world sailing race, I jumped at the chance,” said Lomu. “I know the team from Abu Dhabi is currently leading both the overall race and the In-Port Race series, so hopefully I will have the best vantage point possible to see another podium finish on Saturday.”

Ador’s pair of celebrity jumpers for the Leg 5 departure from Auckland are lauded by rugby experts as two of the finest players in the history of the game. Captain and openside flanker McCaw is the most capped New Zealand player of all time and has won more Tests than any other player in the history of the game, while Carter is the world record-holder for most points in Test match rugby.

“It’s a real privilege to get on board one of these state-of-the-art racing yachts, so I’m looking forward to seeing how a boat like Azzam operates under the leadership of their skipper Ian Walker and Kiwi boat captain Daryl Wislang,” said McCaw.

“With the team leading the whole race, they are obviously doing a great job so far. I hear we’ll be on board at the start of the toughest leg, so me and DC will be more than happy to jump off into the ocean when we get the nod.”

Carter added: “I’m so stoked to sail with Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing. Being on board whilst the crew are in race mode will be such a cool experience.

“Both rugby and sailing are all about teamwork and precision, so I’m looking forward to seeing the action up close and personal for myself. Richie and I will be doing our best to help the guys get a headstart as they set off on Leg 5. I’m sure the ceremonial ‘jump-off’ whilst racing is going to be equally exciting.”

Racing each day starts at 5am UAE time and Ador fans can follow the action live on volvooceanrace.com.