The World of rugby is united in mourning following the death of Jonah Lomu.
The All Blacks legend has passed away unexpectedly. He was 40 years-old. Lomu played 63 test matches for New Zealand - scoring 37 tries.
He passed away suddenly at his Auckland home, family spokesman John Mayhew said.
"It was totally unexpected, Jonah and his family arrived back from the UK last night and he suddenly died this morning"
Mayhew, a former medic with the All Blacks, revealed Lomu's family were "going through a terrible time" before he broke down in tears.
Lomu was diagnosed in 1995 with the rare kidney disorder, nephrotic syndrome which eventually cut short his international career.
Lomu had not been in bad health and his death is a shock, he had just returned from the Rugby World Cup in England.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key led the tributes: "The thoughts of the entire country are with his family."
"He was a game changer whenever he stepped onto the field" he added.
Lomu scored seven tries in four matches at the 1995 World Cup tournament, including four in the semi-final against England.
NZR chief executive Steve Tew said: "We're all shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden death of Jonah Lomu. Jonah was a legend of our game and loved by his many fans both here and around the world."
He was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2011. Fans, players and pundits took to twitter to pay tribute to the All Blacks legend.
A game changer, a legend, an All Black. Our prayers are with family & friends of @JONAHTALILOMU @AllBlacks #RIPJonah pic.twitter.com/rczMza1tsC
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 18, 2015
Never forget first seeing Lomu at his devastating best. Combination of speed & size changed rugby forever https://t.co/EOd1yt6aiD #RIPJonah
— Ben Smith (@BSmith) November 18, 2015
Shine on #JonahLomu! He gave time to cheer sick kids at the #Starship, NZ's National Children's Hospital Wonderful man. @captainstarship
— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) November 18, 2015
Sad sad news.. The man who gave kiwis the desire to play for the All Blacks. Thank you @JONAHTALILOMU will miss you big guy! #RILTokoUso 😞😢😢
— Piri Weepu (@piriweepu) November 18, 2015
Would of done anything to have played a test with him. Gone way too soon my brother #ripjonah pic.twitter.com/tb8ZLROKfu
— 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
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">You Gotta love this! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPJonah?src=hash">#RIPJonah</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Legend?src=hash">#Legend</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneOfAKind?src=hash">#OneOfAKind</a> <a href="https://t.co/Vz5NP7i5XS">pic.twitter.com/Vz5NP7i5XS</a></p>— Shane Byrne (@shanebyrneoffic) <a href="https://twitter.com/shanebyrneoffic/status/666901777346928640">November 18, 2015</a></blockquote>
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