Jonah Lomu dead: All Blacks legend dies in Auckland, aged 40.

Lomu, who played 63 tests for New Zealand, had suffered from health problems since his retirement from rugby in 2002 due to a rare kidney disease.

Jonah Lomu and members of the Ngati Ranana London Maori Club take part in a haka Getty.

Former New Zealand rugby union player Jonah Lomu has died at the age of 40.

Lomu, who won 63 caps for the All Blacks, had suffered from health problems since his retirement from the game in 2002 due to a rare kidney disease.

A tweet from New Zealand Rugby chief Steve Tew read: "We're all shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden death of Jonah Lomu."

The New Zealand Rugby tweet from Tew continued: "We're lost for words and our heartfelt sympathies go out to Jonah's family.

Lomu evades the diving tackle of Rob Andrew of England during the 1995 Rugby World Cup Semi Final

"Jonah was a legend of our game and loved by his many fans both here and around the world."

Lomu, who made his All Blacks debut in 1994, made a significant impact at the 1995 World Cup.

He played for several domestic teams - Auckland Blues, Chiefs and Hurricanes in Super Rugby, as well as North Harbour, Counties Manukau and Wellington.

He also had a stint with Cardiff Blues, for whom he played 10 matches for from 2005-06, before retiring from the game in 2007.

He was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2007 and the IRB Hall of Fame four years later.