New Zealand is mourning one of its greatest sporting heroes after the former All Blacks player Jonah Lomu passed away unexpectedly in Auckland on Wednesday, aged 40.
“We’re all shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden death of Jonah Lomu,” New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew said.
John Mayhew, the former All Blacks doctor, confirmed the news on Wednesday morning, TV3 reported.
Lomu had suffered from health problems since his retirement from playing in 2002 due to the rare kidney disease, Nephrotic syndrome.
He had recently travelled to the UK for the Rugby World Cup, during which he was a spokesperson for Heineken.
He played in 73 Tests for New Zealand after making his debut in 1994.
More details soon …