One of New Zealand's finest rugby players has passed away aged 40. The All Blacks winger, who arrived in Aukland from overseas on Tuesday, passed away over night. 

According to The Guardian, the 63 capped player "suffered from health problems since calling time on his playing career in 2002 due to a rare kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome. He underwent a kidney transplant in 2004 and had been on dialysis treatment for the past 10 years. Details of the exact cause of his death remain unclear."

One of the team's former doctors, John 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."

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew added: “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. We’re lost for words and our heartfelt sympathies go out to Jonah’s family."

Since the release of the sad news, tributes have been pouring in via Twitter. 


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