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Jonah Lomu
suffered from a rare kidney disease
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Stars from the world of
sport and beyond have paid tribute to legendary New Zealand rugby player Jonah
Lomu, who has died at 40. Lomu, who won 63 caps for the All Blacks, had suffered from
health problems since his retirement from the international game in 2002 due to
a rare kidney disease.
The
winger, who burst on to the international scene at the 1995 World Cup, had a
stint with Cardiff Blues, for whom he played 10 matches for from 2005-06.
Press Association report continues:
His
wife Nadene told New Zealand media his death was a "devastating loss"
and reports said the cause of death was yet to be established.
Meanwhile,
New Zealand prime minister John Key extended the nation's sympathy to his loved
ones.
He
tweeted: "Deeply saddened to hear of Jonah Lomu's unexpected passing this
morning. The thoughts of the entire country are with his family."
Stars
from inside and outside rugby union reacted with shock at the news on social
media.
England
Rugby World Cup (RWC) winner Jonny Wilkinson said: "I am so, so devastated
to hear of the passing away of JONAHTALILOMU The greatest superstar and just a
fabulous human being. Deeply saddened."
England's
Mike Brown tweeted: "I can't believe the legend Jonah has passed away! So
so sad An inspiration & hero to everyone ever involved in rugby."
And
Sale Sharks player Danny Cipriani said: "Jonah Lomu and Christian Cullen
are the reason I picked up a rugby ball - JL was a legend and a true
inspiration who kept fighting."
Former
BBC Radio 1 host and fellow Kiwi Zane Lowe tweeted: "The one and only Jonah
Lomu R.I.P."
And
the All Blacks' RWC 2015 winner Dan Carter said: "I still can't believe
the sad news. Love & thoughts go out to Jonahs family."
Journalist
Piers Morgan was also among those who paid tribute to the player, saying:
"So sad & shocked to hear about Jonah Lomu. True sporting giant &
humble, charming, funny & likeable man. RIP.
Former
Wales fly-half Jonathan Davies tweeted: "Can't believe that Jonah Lomu has
passed away. Was with him and his wife and family for an evening last month. So
sad, life is so cruel.
"RIP
Jonah you were a true legend and a gentleman.You changed the game of rugby and
will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with your family."
Lomu's
death was confirmed by New Zealand Rugby, whose chief Steve Tew said:
"Jonah was a legend of our game and loved by his many fans both here and
around the world."
The
star was diagnosed with the serious kidney condition nephrotic syndrome in 1996
and underwent a kidney transplant in 2004. But after it failed in 2011, he
became reliant on dialysis.
In
an interview with the Daily Mail in August this year he had said he was hoping
for a second transplant.
Just
three days ago, in one of his final tweets, Lomu showed his solidarity with the
people of France following the Paris terrorist attacks.
He
tweeted from Dubai a picture of the Burj al Arab hotel lit up with the
Tricolore, accompanied with the words : "Sois Fort. Viva la France".
Later the same day he also
tweeted support for a cancer sufferer, saying: "We are praying for you be
strong my friend."
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