Rugby legend dies unexpectedly after Dubai visit

He made a comeback after undergoing a kidney transplant in 2004.

“We’re all shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden death of Jonah Lomu”, New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew said.

Family spokesman John Mayhew told New Zealand television that Lomu’s death was “totally unexpected” and that he had only arrived back from the United Kingdom on Tuesday, after spending time there for the Rugby World Cup. “He was the first superstar player and, through his sheer brilliance and love of the game, he brought much joy to the rugby family and took our sport to a new level of profile”.

“Obviously Jonah has had a battle with kidney issues in recent years, but it’s nevertheless shocking to hear of what’s happened”. He leaves a wife and two sons.

South Africa wing Bryan Habana, who shares the record for most World Cup tries with Lomu, also paid tribute to a man whose “on field fearlessness was matched by his off field humility”.

“It was one of the performances of the World Cup”.

The English tried and they’d either get bowled over – poor old Mike Catt, remember that barnstorming run from Lomu – or Jonah would carry them along for the ride as he stormed towards the try line. It was a performance that helped to usher in the professional era.

But in a cruel twist of fate, Lomu was diagnosed with a rare kidney condition – nephrotic syndrome – less than 12 months later.

“Jonah Lomu was a legend of the game here and the general shock of his passing his affected everybody, not just former players and current players but the general public. He was a very special person”. “New Zealand have had a great year winning the World Cup but the loss of two legends is very sad as well. The thoughts of the entire country are with his family”.

And former Wales scrum-half Moon, who is the general manager for the North Wales development region, believes Lomu was the flawless man to “take the game forward”. “So sad, life is so cruel”.

“Jonah, you will be missed”.

“You have to say that he changed rugby”.

British media are ranking giant winger Jonah Lomu alongside Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods as players who transformed their sport. His blend of pace, power and size never before seen. His most famous play was in the Rugby World Cup in 1995 when he smashed through the England defence. He’s genuinely one of the iconic figures of world rugby.