Record-breaking New Zealand rugby union legend Jonah Lomu (b.12 May 1975) has passed away at the age of 40.
 
One of the game's most iconic stars, the former All Blacks winger played 63 Test matches for his nation, notching up two incredible Guinness World Records titles over the course of his remarkable career.
 
Lomu burst onto the international rugby scene at the age of 19 during the 1995 World Cup in South Africa, with a powerhouse performance in New Zealand's semi-final against England in Cape Town in particular capturing the world's attention.
 
His powerful first try during the match has been dubbed by many as the best in World Cup history and stands as the perfect illustration of Lomu's incredible strength and and skill.
 
Often regarded as the first true global superstar of rugby union, Lomu would go on to take the Guinness World Records title for Most tries in a Rugby Union World Cup tournament back in 1999, with an unbeaten eight, recorded over five games against Tonga, England, Italy, Scotland and France. His total was later equalled by Bryan Habana (South Africa) in 2007, before being matched by Julian Savea (also New Zealand) during this year's World Cup.
 
Lom also grabbed a record for the Most tries scored in Rugby Union World Cup tournaments, accumulating 15 in total during the 1995 (7) and 1999 (8) competitions. Lomu’s first seven international tries were all in the 1995 World Cup when New Zealand made the final.
 
This feat was equalled by Bryan Habana (South Africa) during the 2007, 2011 and 2015 tournaments.
 
Lomu began experiencing health problems in 2002, when complications from nephrotic syndrome - a rare kidney disease, forced him to halt his playing career in order to undergo a kidney transplant. He officially retired from sport in 2007 – the year he was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame.
 
Today's news of Jonah's death came as a huge shock to family, teammates and fans all over the globe, but the talented sportsman has cemented his place in the record books and will always be remembered for the enormous impact he has made on the sport of rugby.