The rugby world is in mourning following the tragic death of All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu. The former New Zealand winger, the star of the 1995 World Cup, was 40.The All Blacks team doctor said it was an unexpected death, according to a report from New Zealand television station 3News. But it has also emerged that Lomu was on the waiting list for a second kidney transplant after his first, in 2004, failed in 2011.

Lomu played 63 Tests for the All Blacks in a glittering career cut short by kidney disease.

NZR chief executive Steve Tew: "We're all shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden death of Jonah Lomu. 

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."


He battled kidney disorders since the end of 1995 when he was diagnosed with Nephrotic syndrome. He had a kidney transplant in 2004. He had health setbacks since then and had been receiving dialysis treatments during his recent visit to Britain where he was involved in heavy promotional work during the Rugby World Cup.

Jonah and his family had transferred to Dubai where they were holidaying on their way back to New Zealand. He tweeted from there two days ago.


He played 63 times for the All Blacks between 1994 and 2002, scoring 37 tries and when rugby became more professional in the late 90s, he became the sport's first millionaire. 

Lomu shot to worldwide stardom at the 1995 Rugby World Cup when he scored arguably the most iconic try in the sport's history when he ran over England wing Mike Catt en route to the try line. He scored seven tries in that tournament.


He had earlier become the youngest player to debut for New Zealand at the age of 19 years and 45 days and went on to score 37 tries for the All Blacks. 

He went on to play the 1999 World Cup as well and is the joint record try-scorer with South African wing Bryan Habana who was equalled his tally of 15 tries at this year's tournament.

Despite his size, Lomu could run 100 metres in 10.8 seconds and changed the position and expectation of a rugby winger forever. 

Lomu's last word on his Facebook page was on Saturday, a sympathetic tribute to the people of Paris. Lomu posted to his nearly 20,000 followers: "Our Hearts go out to the people of Paris Sois fort my friends. From the Lomu family."