New Zealand All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu has died at the age of 40.
Lomu passed away unexpectedly in the early hours of Wednesday, NZ Rugby chief executive Steve Tew confirmed.
'We're all shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden death of Jonah Lomu,' Tew said.
'We're lost for words and our heartfelt sympathies go out to Jonah's family. Jonah was a legend of our game and loved by his many fans both here and around the world.'
Lomu arrived back in Auckland on Tuesday night from England - where he had been working at the Rugby World Cup - and had spent a few days in Dubai on the way home with his family.
On Wednesday afternoon his wife Nadene Lomu issued a statement describing the family's 'devastating loss'.
Lomu had an incredible rugby union career with his performance at the 1995 Rugby World Cup making him one of the sport's most recognisable figures. He is pictured here in 2001
Lomu arrived at Auckland Airport from the UK on Tuesday evening and this is believed to be the last photograph taken of him
He was recently in Dubai from where he posted a number of photos to social media
Former All Blacks doctor John Mayhew confirmed Lomu had died on Wednesday morning, just days after spending time in Dubai
'Jonah was a legend of our game and loved by his many fans both here and around the world,' NZ Rugby chief executive Steve Tew
Lomu had a long battle with the rare kidney disease which claimed his life on Wednesday morning
The All Black icon is survived by his wife Nadene (left) and sons Brayley, six, and Dhyreille, five (right)
'It is with great sadness that I must announce my dear husband Jonah Lomu died last night,' the statement read.
As you can imagine this is a devastating loss for our family and may I ask that our privacy, especially the privacy of our two very young boys, be respected as we take them through this traumatic time,' Mrs Lumo said.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-3322977/All-Blacks-rugby-legend-Jonah-Lomu-dead-40.html#ixzz3rpOUEm8k
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