New Zealand Rugby Union has confirmed that All Blacks great Jonah Lomu has passed away.
The former rugby international was 40-years-old.
Tributes have been pouring in since the news broke of his passing with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key among those paying their respects:
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
#RIPJonah pic.twitter.com/b72VujMNUG
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) 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
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
Lomu was a breakout star of the 1995 Rugby World Cup as he scored seven tries, playing a crucial role in New Zealand reaching that year's final against South Africa, and achieving iconic superstar status in the rugby world as a result of his powerhouse performances.
He went on to set a then-tournament record in 1999 with eight tries.
The Auckland-born wing, who made his All-Blacks debut in 1994, played his final match for his country in 2002, gaining 63 caps during his test career.
However, at the height of his career, he had already started battling a serious kidney disorder and eventually he underwent a transplant in 2004.
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