WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu died early Wednesday in Auckland. He was 40.
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew said he was shocked and saddened by the sudden death of one of the world's most recognizable rugby stars.
''Jonah was a legend of our game and loved by his many fans both here and around the world,'' Tew said.
Lomu, who played 63 tests for New Zealand, had recently visited Britain with his family during the Rugby World Cup.
Lomu scored 43 tries for the All Blacks before having to retire from the in 2002 because of Nephrotic syndrome, a rare kidney disease.
The blockbusting winger, who made his test debut in 1994 against France, had a health scare in 2011, seven years after a kidney transplant.
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew said: ''Jonah was a legend of our game and loved by his many fans both here and around the world.''
Prime Minister John Key said he was deeply saddened by news of Lomu's passing.
''The thoughts of the entire country are with his family,'' Key said.
