Rugby legend Jonah Lomu dies aged 40

Superstar former All Black Jonah Lomu has passed away unexpectedly in Auckland, New Zealand on Tuesday night following a heart attack thought to be linked to the kidney disease he battled for much of his adult life.

The giant winger received a transplant in 2004 but his body rejected it in 2011, leaving him relying on dialysis

He is survived by his wife Nadene, and their two sons Brayley, 6, and Dhyrelle, 5.

On Wednesday afternoon, NZ local time, his wife Nadene Lomu issued a statement describing the family's ''devastating loss''.

''It is with great sadness that I must announce my dear husband Jonah Lomu died last night,'' the statement read. ''As you can imagine this is a devastating loss for our family and may I ask that our privacy, especially the privacy of our two very young boys, be respected as we take them through this traumatic time.''

We send out thoughts and prayers to Lomu's loved ones at this difficult time.