All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu dies aged 40
Rugby legend Jonah Lomu, the game's first global superstar whose speed and power terrorised opponents, died unexpectedly on Wednesday aged 40, the player's family and New Zealand Rugby said.
Rugby legend Jonah Lomu, the game's first global superstar whose speed and power terrorised opponents, died unexpectedly on Wednesday aged 40, the player's family and New Zealand Rugby said.
Lomu, who for decades battled the kidney disease that ended his career, passed away suddenly at his Auckland home, family spokesman John Mayhew said.
READ MORE: ‘It all started in Hong Kong’: How the Sevens launched ill-fated Jonah Lomu to superstardom
NZR chief executive Steve Tew tweeted: "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."
I can confirm that Jonah Lomu died this morning... it was totally unexpected
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key also paid tribute, saying: "The thoughts of the entire country are with his family."
Lomu played 63 Tests on the wing for New Zealand from 1995 to 2002, scoring 37 tries.
