Jonah Lomu has passed away at the age of 40.
Reports emerging from New Zealand on Tuesday night claim that the All Blacks legend died unexpectedly at his home in Auckland.
Former All Blacks doctor John Mayhew confirmed the terrible news but no cause of death has yet been reported.
Lomu, who will go down as one of the greatest to ever play the game, had a kidney transplant in 2004 after battling nephrotic syndrome for many years.
“On behalf of the Lomu family, I can confirm that Jonah Lomu died this morning, most probably about 8 or 9 this morning,” Mayhew said. “The family are obviously devastated, as are friends and acquaintances.
“The family have requested privacy at this stage, they are obviously going through a terrible time. It was totally unexpected. Jonah and his family arrived back from the United Kingdom last night and he suddenly died this morning.”
The iconic winger, who played in 63 Tests for New Zealand after making his debut in 1994, had been in the UK for the 2015 Rugby World Cup where he was a spokesman for Heineken throughout the tournament before returning home this week.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.
