Legendary All Black Jonah Lomu has passed away aged just 40.
According to The New Zealand Herald, former All Black doctor John Mayhew confirmed that Lomu died in Auckland.
Lomu passed at approximately 8am - 9am Wednesday local time, 7pm - 8pm Tuesday evening Irish time.
On behalf of the Lomu family, I can confirm that Jonah Lomu died this morning, most probably about 8 or 9 this morning. The family are obviously devastated, as are friends and acquaintances.
The family have requested privacy at this stage, they are obviously going through a terrible time. It was totally unexpected. Jonah and his family arrived back from the United Kingdom last night and he suddenly died this morning.
Lomu - who had battled kidney problems since 1995 - was diagnosed with a disorder known as nephrotic syndrome. He had a transplant 11 years ago but his body rejected it in 2011.
The winger had recently been in the UK working for Heineken during the World Cup.
New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew expressed the shock felt by all involved with rugby in the country.
We're all shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden death of Jonah Lomu. We're lost for words and our heartfelt sympathies go out to Jonah's family. Jonah was a legend of our game and loved by his many fans both here and around the world.
Lomu played 63 tests for the All Blacks, coming to prominence with spectacular performances during the 1995 World Cup in South Africa.
In all, he scored 37 tries for his country.
He will be sadly missed by all sports fans.
