While the Southern Hemisphere is coming to terms with Lomu's unfortunate passing, the Northern Hemisphere awoke to the news.
For rugby fans of a certain age, Jonah Lomu
was rugby. For rugby fans of every age, the New Zealand winger was an unstoppable, stand-back-and-gape talent.
Rugby mad New Zealand is in mourning today
after news emerged of Lomu's death, aged just 40.
Tana Umaga, a former teammate and friend of Lomu's, aptly summed up the player's impact on the game.
He commented, "There was no one like him. To be honest there probably never will be."
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said, "He is truly a legend of the game and I think New Zealanders will really feel Jonah's loss in an amazing way."
Tributes to Lomu have flooded various social media outlets.
https://twitter.com/IrishRugby/status/666873511852564481
https://twitter.com/piriweepu/status/666851389893713921
https://twitter.com/TommyBowe14/status/666882833919647744
https://twitter.com/WillGreenwood/status/666881248304963584
https://twitter.com/NeilBack/status/666882799039852544