Jonah Lomu, frequently referred to a rugby's first superstar, has passed away in Auckland aged just 40.
The former All Black had been battling a kidney disorder since 1995. He was disagnosed with nephrotic syndrome and had a transplant in 2004, though his body rejected the organ seven years later.
As a player, he came to prominence during the 1995 World Cup, demolishing defences throughout the tournament. He would win 63 caps for the All Blacks.
Players and others involved with rugby have paid tribute following his sad passing.
Shocked, thoughts are with the Lomu family right now ❤️❤️
— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) November 18, 2015
Jonah, a legend of the game and a lovely man off the field. He will be missed. Thoughts with his family #RIPJonah
— Gordon D'Arcy (@Gordonwdarcy) November 18, 2015
I still can't believe the sad news. Love & thoughts go out to Jonahs family #RIPJonah
— Dan Carter (@DanCarter) November 18, 2015
I am so, so devastated to hear of the passing away of @JONAHTALILOMU The greatest superstar and just a fabulous human being. Deeply saddened
— Jonny Wilkinson (@JonnyWilkinson) November 18, 2015
RIP Jonah Lomu ❤️ - devastating news! True legend of the game
— DannyCipriani (@DannyCipriani87) November 18, 2015
Blues head coach Tana Umaga on Jonah Lomu: "There was no one like him. To be honest there probably never will be." #RIPLomu
— nzherald (@nzherald) November 18, 2015
Jonah Lomu. #Leyenda #Respeto pic.twitter.com/T8kdjED69T
— UnionArgentinaRugby (@unionargentina) November 18, 2015
Deeply saddened to hear of Jonah Lomu’s unexpected passing this morning. The thoughts of the entire country are with his family.
— John Key (@johnkeypm) November 18, 2015
Since I was a little boy all I wanted to do was be like you.!! Thanks for the memories big man #RIPLomu pic.twitter.com/u6Jm267LI1
— Tj Perenara (@Tj_Perenara) November 18, 2015
It's a very sad day!! #RIPJonahLomu
— Jerome Kaino (@jeromekaino) November 18, 2015
Growing up he was everyone's favourite player.
Dominated the game like no other.
Thanks for the memories Jonah!
#RIPJonah #11
— Sam Cane (@SamCane7) November 18, 2015
Thoughts and Prayers going out to the Lomu Family ???
— keven_mealamu (@kevenmealamu) November 18, 2015
RIP Big brother #11
— Liam Messam (@LiamMessam) November 18, 2015
Devastated the greatest ever has passed away!
The worlds in mourning for such an amazing talent yet genuine & humble human.
R.I.P Jonah Lomu— James O'Connor (@JamesOConnor832) November 18, 2015
RIP Jonah Lomu. Feared by all, LOVED by ALL. To play against and with you was a huge honour. You put Rugby on the global stage. Prayers
— Tim Horan (@TimHoran12) November 18, 2015
Jonah Lomu R.I.P. 18/11/15. Thoughts & prayers to you and your family... #greatallblack #betterman
— George Gregan (@GeorgeGregan) November 18, 2015
R.I.P Jonah #TheGreatest
— Malakai Fekitoa (@MalakaiFekitoa) November 18, 2015
Very sad news. At only 40, one of the all time greats has passed away. Thanks for the memories Jonah. #RIP pic.twitter.com/jqp5PHZKmu
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) November 18, 2015
If you never saw Jonah Lomu play, watch these clips. If you did, let's watch them anyway. Rest in peace big man.
https://t.co/IdcwY1xugr— Simon Thomas (@simonrug) November 18, 2015
Tragic news. We have lost one of the best ever to play our game. A great player and a great man. Gone too soon. RIP Jonah Lomu.
— Gregor Townsend (@gregortownsend) November 18, 2015
Thoughts and pray for the family of Jonah Lomu, a big hug from Cafu. A terrific athlete and champion. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/B8i9XVKURK
— Cafu. (@officialcafu) November 18, 2015
RIP jonah Lomu.
#legende #idole— Papé Pascal (@pascalpape) November 18, 2015
So shocked and sad Jonah Lomu has died.Did a MasterCard event together just a few weeks ago and he was in great spirits.An inspiration #RIP
— Brett Gosper (@brettgosper) November 18, 2015
So sad & shocked to hear about Jonah Lomu.
True sporting giant & humble, charming, funny & likeable man. RIP pic.twitter.com/gWlAYzzNPR
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) November 18, 2015
Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
