All Black rugby legend Jonah Lomu dies, age 40

The former New Zealand international rugby star Jonah Lomu, widely regarded as one of the game's finest players ever, died in Auckland early Wednesday aged 40, according to New Zealand Rugby Union CEO Steve Tew.

"I can confirm the incredibly sad news that we've lost another All Black great. (Jonah Lomu) died at his home this morning," Tew said at a press conference Wednesday afternoon local time.

An earlier statement by Tew on the official New Zealand Rugby Union Twitter account said:

"We're all shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden death of Jonah Lomu.

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

Lomu's family also confirmed the news and appealed for privacy.

Tew said that few details about Lomu's sudden, unexpected death were known at this point but that the rugby community should reflect on the contribution that he had made. Since bursting onto the scene in the mid-1990s his "contribution to the game brought it to another level. He was probably the game's first superstar."