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Wellington - All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu died suddenly on Wednesday at the age of 40.
Here's how some players, officials and fans reacted to the passing of the New Zealand rugby great:
"It's a very big hole that he's left in the game. When I went to the United States just after the 1995 Rugby World Cup, I spoke to someone there and they said 'All we know about rugby is Jonah Lomu,' and that's the imprint he had on the game. He was a global superstar and even young kids now, as young as five and six, still know who Jonah Lomu is" - former Australia player Tim Horan.
"Deeply saddened to hear of Jonah Lomu's unexpected passing. The thoughts of the entire country are with his family - New Zealand Prime Minister John Key.
"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.
"Rest in peace to my brother Jonah Lomu. Going to miss you bro" - Australia fullback Israel Folau, who, like Lomu, is of Tongan descent.
"I am so, so devastated to hear of the passing away of @JONAHTALILOMU The greatest superstar and just a fabulous human being" - a tweet from former England flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson.
"As Muhammed Ali was to boxing, Jonah was to rugby. When he was well and fit, he was simply the greatest rugby player we have seen" - New Zealand politician and rugby fan Winston Peters.
"There will never be another Jonah Lomu. He was rugby's first genuine superstar and as well as being an extraordinary player he was also an exceptional man who gave everything to the game and his community in Auckland" - Australian Rugby Union chief executive Bill Pulver.
"He was to me the guy who changed the sport forever, an unbelievable machine on the pitch and a superb guy off it, the guy who could dominate whatever era of rugby history he was put in" - former England rugby captain Mike Tindall.
"Extremely sad news about Jonah Lomu. He was the only reason I watched (rugby) union as a kid. What a legacy he has left" - Australian Test cricketer Usman Khawaja.
