New Zealand rugby great Jonah Lomu has passed away at the age of 40.
He played for one of the nation’s legendary clubs from 1994-2002 before being forced to step away after being diagnosed with a serious kidney condition.
Lomu received a transplant in 2004, but the kidney stopped working seven years later in 2011. Four years later, he succumbed to the kidney disease.
“Jonah was a legend of our game and loved by his many fans both here and around the world,” said Steve Tew, the New England Rugby chief executive.
“We’re lost for words … our heartfelt sympathies go out to Jonah’s family.”
Lomu’s first match with the team was in 1994 against France.
He also played for various teams in his native New Zealand, as well as making appears for Cardiff Blues in Wales in 2005 and 2006 before retiring.
Multiple members of the rugby community expressed sadness and condolences in statements and on twitter, as did New Zealand’s head of state.
His impact was wide-ranging. Soccer star and People Sexiest Man Alive David Beckham also took to social media to share a tribute to Lomu.
“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.”
Beckham captioned a photo of Lomu, “A credit to his country his family and to the sport that passionately played…Jonah you will be missed.”
