New Zealand rugby legend Jonah Lomu has died

He was just 40

Colm Boohig

He was just 40.

New Zealand rugby legend Jonah Lomu has died unexpectedly in Auckland at the age of 40.

The former All Black, who scored 37 tries in 63 caps for his country, has suffered from severe kidney problems since retiring in 2002.

Tributes have been pouring in for the great man.

Shocked, thoughts are with the Lomu family right now ❤️❤️

— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) 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

NZR CEO Steve Tew: “We’re all shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden death of Jonah Lomu….

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 18, 2015

NZR CEO Steve Tew: “….We’re lost for words and our heartfelt sympathies go out to Jonah’s family….

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 18, 2015

NZR CEO Steve Tew: “….Jonah was a legend of our game and loved by his many fans both here and around the world.”

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 18, 2015

So so sad to hear about the passing of Jonah Lomu. A true legend of the game.

— Anna Woolhouse (@woolyanna) November 18, 2015

I still can’t believe the sad news. Love & thoughts go out to Jonah lomu family #RIPJonah #AllBlacks #Rugby

— sealver siliga (@S_Siliga) November 18, 2015

Still shocked I’ve had to report on the death of one of my sporting heroes so young. RIP Jonah Lomu

— Phil Williams (@PhilWilliams) November 18, 2015

Our thoughts go out to Jonah Lomu’s family, @AllBlacks, and the Rugby community. A legend of the game. #RipJonah pic.twitter.com/kiflMkpEjh

— Wallabies (@Wallabies) November 18, 2015

Jonah Lomu was the epitome of pace, power, strength and skill. An emotional sporting night. https://t.co/Y0bOSo2ClP

— Mark Chapman (@markchapman) November 18, 2015

What sad sad news about Jonah Lomu taken way too young, rest in peace… A true rugby legend #RIPJonah

— Sharron Davies MBE (@sharrond62) November 18, 2015

Sad day Jonah Lomu brought fun back Into rugby. He set the foundation for real running rugby. RIP

— Tony Fernandes (@tonyfernandes) November 18, 2015

RIP my all time favourite player Jonah Lomu. Will never forget the most crushing handshake I ever experienced as a 15 year old

— Cadeyrn Neville (@Cadeyrn) November 18, 2015

I will always remember how approachable, polite and amenable Jonah Lomu was every time I interviewed him. Just a real gent.

— Simon Thomas (@simonrug) November 18, 2015

Jonah Lomu has died. So young. Can’t believe it.

— jim jefferies (@jimjefferies) November 18, 2015

RIP Jonah Lomu. An absolute legend. Can’t really believe it. These are such sad times

— Chris Stark (@Chris_Stark) November 18, 2015

Highlights reel doesn’t even do him justice. Unstoppable. Pace, power, skills and what a hand off… https://t.co/yTMljfKYRc #JonahLomu #RIP

— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) November 18, 2015

Awful news about Jonah Lomu. Just 40. Genuinely iconic

— Joe Molloy (@MolloyJoe) November 18, 2015

The one and only Jonah Lomu R.I.P.

— Zane Lowe (@zanelowe) November 18, 2015

My thoughts and love are with the family of Jonah Lomu . Spent some time with him during the RWC. True gent and great man. #RIPJonah

— Scott Quinnell (@ScottQuinnell) 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

Jonah Lomu R.I.P. 18/11/15. Thoughts & prayers to you and your family… #greatallblack #betterman

— George Gregan (@GeorgeGregan) 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

Still shocked I’ve had to report on the death of one of my sporting heroes so young. RIP Jonah Lomu

— Phil Williams (@PhilWilliams) November 18, 2015