Jonah Lomu: World mourns death of New Zealand icon and first global superstar of rugby union

New Zealand icon Jonah Lomu has died aged 40. Regarded as one of rugby union's greatest of all time, Lomu won 63 caps for the All Blacks but had battled kidney disorders since the end of 1995 when he was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome. He retired from the game in 2002 and underwent a kidney transplant two years later but the organ stopped functioning in 2011.

Lomu's death has shaken the sporting world with tributes flooding in from the biggest names in rugby and beyond.

Dan Carter - New Zealand international and three-time player of the year

Would of done anything to have played a test with him. Gone way too soon my brother #ripjonah pic.twitter.com/tb8ZLROKfu
— Dan Carter (@DanCarter) November 18, 2015

Sean Fitzpatrick - Former New Zealand captain and Lomu's teammate

Our thoughts are with the @JONAHTALILOMU family tonight. A very special person. @AllBlacks
— Sean Fitzpatrick (@frontrow92) November 18, 2015

Jonny Wilkinson - World Cup winner with England

I am so, so devastated to hear of the passing away of @JONAHTALILOMU The greatest superstar and just a fabulous human being. Deeply saddened
— Jonny Wilkinson (@JonnyWilkinson) November 18, 2015

David Beckham - Former England football captain

View this post on Instagram
So sad to hear the news about this amazing giant of a man... A sporting hero and one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet.. A credit to his country, his family and to the sport that he passionately played... Jonah you will be missed... ðŸ‡³ðŸ‡¿
A post shared by David Beckham (@davidbeckham) on Nov 17, 2015 at 5:53pm PST

John Key - New Zealand Prime Minister

Deeply saddened to hear of Jonah Lomu’s unexpected passing this morning. The thoughts of the entire country are with his family.
— John Key (@johnkeypm) November 18, 2015

Liverpool Football Club

Liverpool FC are saddened to hear about the passing of @AllBlacks legend, and Reds fan Jonah Lomu. YNWA. pic.twitter.com/XL4RAO2iqa
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 18, 2015

Alessandro Del Piero - Former Italy and Juventus star

Jonah #Lomu was for rugby, what Maradona was for football. Goodbye legend you'll never be forgotten. @AllBlacks
— Alessandro Del Piero (@delpieroale) November 18, 2015

British and Irish Lions

Very sad news about the passing of Jonah Lomu. A hero for so many. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone @AllBlacks rugby
— British&Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) November 18, 2015

New Zealand

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