The World loses a sporting icon

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Thursday, November 19 2015 by SNTV

Former All Blacks winger Jonah Lomu died in Auckland, New Zealand

All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu died early on Wednesday 18th November in Auckland aged 40, as described by former team doctor John Mayhew

SOUNDBITE: (English) John Mayhew, former All Blacks Team Doctor:

"It was totally unexpected. Jonah and his family arrived back form the United Kingdom last night and he suddenly died this morning. It's obviously a very difficult time for Jonah's family. He's a great rugby player and a great person. It's a terrible tragedy."

The giant wing burst to prominence in 1995 when he trampled over England's Tony Underwood in the World Cup semi-finals in Cape Town for one of four tries in New Zealand's 45-29 win.

England captain Will Carling infamously described Lomu as "a freak".

Lomu who became the most feared back in world rugby scored 43 tries for the All Blacks before being diagnosed in 1997 with Nephrotic syndrome, a rare kidney disease - eventually having to retire because of it in 2002

SOUNDBITE: (English) Jonah Lomu:

"And then you know, I had to get on dialysis and it's slowly setting itself right and it shifted from the top of my legs to my feet so hopefully by next year I'll have my boots back on."

Lomu underwent a kidney transplant in 2004 before returning to professional rugby the following year including a stint at Welsh side Cardiff Blues.

Born in Auckland of Tongan descent, Lomu was arguably the first superstar of world rugby a fact not lost on current New Zealand wing Julian Savea who was described by All-Blacks head coach Steve Hansen as better than Lomu:

SOUNDBITE: (English) Julian Savea, New Zealand winger (on New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen saying he is better than Jonah Lomu):

"To me personally, no-one's better than Jonah. He was my idol when I was growing up and you know I had his hair cut (laughing). He changed the game back in his era and inspired a lot of kids as well. Like I said, no-one's ever going to be better than Jonah, he's one in a million."

Lomu's most recent public appearances came as recently as the the 2015 Rugby World Cup where he was seemingly in good spirits:

SOUNDBITE: (English) Jonah Lomu:

"I think if New Zealand wins it'll be absolutely amazing in New Zealand. Productivity will go through the roof but also at the same time I guarantee when the World Cup Final is on there'll be no-on working that's for sure. So yeah the whole country will be at a standstill"

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.

Prime Minister John Key said he was deeply saddened by the news and that he's been lost far too early.