New Zealand rugby legend Jonah Lomu dies: Sports stars and more pay tribute

The rugby world is in mourning following the news that New Zealand star Jonah Lomu has died at the age of 40.

The All Blacks legend passed away unexpectedly in Auckland, and the news has been met with an outpouring of tributes from across the sporting spectrum and beyond.

Here, Sports Mole has rounded up a selection of those tributes as rugby union mourns one of its brightest stars.

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Tragic news. We have lost one of the best ever to play our game. A great player and a great man. Gone too soon. RIP Jonah Lomu.

— Gregor Townsend (@gregortownsend) November 18, 2015

"Jonah was a legend of our game and loved by his many fans both here and around the world. We're lost for words and our heartfelt sympathies go out to Jonah's family." New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew

"RIP Jonah Lomu. Feared by all, LOVED by ALL. To play against and with you was a huge honour. You put Rugby on the global stage. Prayers" Former Australia international Tim Horan.

Truly saddens to hear the sad news about Jonah Lomu RIP Jonah🙏🏿

— MartinChariotsOffiah (@martinoffiah) November 18, 2015

"Jonah Lomu was the epitome of pace, power, strength and skill. An emotional sporting night." Broadcaster Mark Chapman

RIP Jonah Lomu ❤️ - devastating news! True legend of the game

— DannyCipriani (@DannyCipriani87) November 18, 2015

"The one and only Jonah Lomu R.I.P." New Zealand-born DJ Zane Lowe

"A player so great that even if you don't know about rugby, you know about Jonah Lomu. A one off. A beast. The best. So sad." Radio presenter Greg James

I will always remember how approachable, polite and amenable Jonah Lomu was every time I interviewed him. Just a real gent.

— Simon Thomas (@simonrug) November 18, 2015

"RIP to one of the greats of world sport Jonah Lomu. Lucky enough to get a pic during 2016." Cronulla Sharks player Chad Townsend

"So sad and shocked to hear about Jonah Lomu. True sporting giant and humble, charming, funny & likeable man. RIP" Journalist Piers Morgan

RIP Jonah Lomu. One of the all time great rugby players. https://t.co/JPU01CmNBm

— Sport Vines (@SportVlnes) November 18, 2015

"I can't believe the legend Jonah has passed away! So so sad. An inspiration and hero to everyone ever involved in rugby." Harlequins player Mike Brown

"Our thoughts are with the Lomu family tonight. A very special person." Former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick

"Deeply saddened to hear of Jonah Lomu's unexpected passing this morning. The thoughts of the entire country are with his family." New Zealand prime minister John Key

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