Shock as All Black legend Jonah Lomu dead at 40: Rugby Union

Rugby great Jonah Lomu, the game's first global superstar whose speed and power terrorised opponents, died unexpectedly on Wednesday aged 40 with tributes pouring in for "a legend of the game".Lomu had for decades battled the kidney disease that ended his playing career, but close acquaintances said his death still came as a shock.

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 told TV3.

Mayhew, a former medic with the All Blacks, revealed Lomu's family were "going through a terrible time" before he broke down in tears.

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."

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key also paid tribute, saying: "The thoughts of the entire country are with his family."

"(He)was a game changer whenever he stepped onto the field," he added.

Lomu played 63 Tests on the wing for New Zealand from 1995 to 2002, scoring 37 tries.

He rose to stardom at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, creating a new template for wingers which combined the speed of a backline player with the raw power of a forward.

Lomu scored seven tries in four matches at the tournament, including four in the semi-final against England.

At his peak, the 1.96 metre (six foot five inch) Lomu weighed 120 kilograms (265 pounds) and could cover 100 metres in 10.8 seconds.

Lomu was diagnosed in late 1995 with the rare kidney disorder nephrotic syndrome, which eventually cut short his international career.

He was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2011, with rugby's governing body saying he had left an indelible mark on the Rugby World Cup.

World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset said in a 2013 documentary that Lomu revolutionised the sport at a key juncture when the game was turning professional.

"He was rugby's first professional star at a time when the sport needed media coverage and recognition from sponsors," he said.

"The conjunction of the way rugby was going pro and the way Jonah Lomu exploded on the scene was perfect for the game's future."

Former Wallaby Tim Horan said Lomu's status in the game never went to his head and he was the first to walk into the dressing room to shake an opponent's hand.

"It's a very big hole that he's left in the game," Horan told Fox Sports.

Lomu remained one of the world's most recognised and adored rugby players even 13 years after his retirement.

"He was one of those rare superstar players that transcended rugby," South Africa, New Zealand and Australia Rugby boss Brendan Morris said.

"He quickly became a household name around the world with his power and skill, inspiring a generation of athletes."

Before his death, Lomu had been in Britain for promotional work linked to the recently completed World Cup, won by his beloved All Blacks.

In public appearances he looked healthy, joking with fans and leading a rousing rendition of the haka in London's Covent Garden.

"He looked the best I've seen him in many years... he just had that sparkle and that look of life in his face... I'm totally shocked," Australian great George Gregan said.

Lomu is survived by his wife Nadene and sons Brayley and Dhyreille.

FACT BOX - Reuters

EARLY LIFE

• Born May 12, 1975 in Auckland.
• Of Tongan heritage, he grew up in Mangere, one of the poorer areas of Auckland.
• Witnessed the death of a cousin in a machete attack in a shopping mall in South Auckland and sent to Tonga.
• Attended Wesley College in Pukekohe, where he excelled on the sports field, running a sub 11-second 100 metres and making the school's top rugby side in the fourth form, gaining national selections in age group teams as a rampaging number eight.
• Selected for the New Zealand sevens side for the 1994 Hong Kong sevens tournament where he piqued the interest of All Blacks' coach Laurie Mains.
• Became the youngest All Blacks test player aged 19 years 45 days against France where he looked totally lost on the wing and exposed by Emile Ntamack.

WORLD CUP (1995)

• Included in pre-World Cup training camps, the 1.96 metres tall and 120kgs winger was considered woefully unfit for the fast-paced game plan favoured by Mains and ordered to improve his fitness.
• Named in the World Cup squad, making his first appearance against Ireland, scoring two tries.
• Exploded onto the world stage with four tries against England, including one where he was off-balance but still managed to trample over the top of England fullback Mike Catt for a score that left many speechless.
• Reportedly considered offers from NFL teams after the World Cup, but signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union as the game went professional.

LATER CAREER

• Became a certainty in subsequent All Blacks teams but performances began tapering off in 1998 as the effects of the debilitating nephritic syndrome attacked his kidneys.
• Named in 1999 World Cup squad, scoring six tries through the tournament and then was at his rampaging best with two more tries in the semi-final against France, who stormed back in the second half to secure a 43-31 upset victory.
• Continued to battle with the disease until 2001 when his performances and emergence of other players had made him a squad rather than starting player. Played his final test match against Wales in November 2002 having scored 37 tries for his country.
• Underwent a transplant in 2004 when a kidney was donated by personal friend and attempted a return to rugby.
• Played in England captain Martin Johnson's testimonial match in June 2005 but injured his shoulder while scoring a try in the match. Subsequent surgery ruled him out of playing for North Harbour in New Zealand's provincial championship.
• Joined Cardiff Blues on a short-term contract but broke an ankle in April 2006 and returned to New Zealand with hopes of getting a Super Rugby contract and making the 2007 World Cup squad.
• Failed to secure a Super Rugby contract and retired in 2007, though did make a number of appearances for clubs in Britain and France until 2009.
• Heavily involved as an ambassador for the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand, although his donated kidney began to fail and he was forced to undergo dialysis again while waiting for another transplant.
• Returned to South Africa in 2015 to film a documentary on the impact of his 1995 exploits and also travelled to the Rugby World Cup in England.
• Arrived back in New Zealand on Nov. 17, but died unexpectedly the following day. He was 40.