All Blacks great Jonah Lomu has died at the age of 40.
Lomu died suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday morning, NZ Rugby chief executive Steve Tew confirmed.
"We're all shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden death of Jonah Lomu," Tew said.
"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."
Details of his death remain unclear.
Former All Blacks doctor John Mayhew said Lomu and his family had arrived home in Auckland on Tuesday night from Dubai after a lengthy period in the United Kingdom where he held promotional duties around the Rugby World Cup.
Mayhew said Lomu had died around mid-morning and that his family and close friends have requested privacy.
People were seen arriving at Lomu's house on Wednesday to pay their respects.
Prime Minister John Key said he was saddened to hear of Lomu's unexpected death.
"The thoughts of the entire country are with his family," he said.
Lomu quit rugby in 2002 aged 27 because of Nephrotic syndrome, a rare and serious kidney disease. He has been on dialysis treatment for more than a decade and has suffered occasional setbacks to his health.
The youngest ever All Black, Lomu went on to score 37 tries in 63 Tests and is regarded as one of New Zealand's greatest wingers.
His spectacular performances at the 1995 Rugby World Cup made him one of the sport's most recognisable global figures.
His tackle-shredding displays included a stunning four-try demolition of England in the quarter-finals, where his trampling of fullback Mike Catt remains an indelible image.
His performances in South Africa are said to have triggered the birth of professional rugby in 1996, with media moguls admiring the speed and power which contrasted with his gentle off-field demeanour.
The joint record-holder for the most World Cup tries with South African Bryan Habana with 15, Lomu was recently named the tournament's greatest ever player in an English-run poll.
Born in Auckland to Tongan parents, he outlined a difficult upbringing in his autobiography. He detailed a strained relationship with his father Semisi and admitted to a falling in with the wrong crowd of friends on the streets of south Auckland.
After starring as a schoolboy No.8, Lomu rose to prominence with a powerhouse display at the 1994 Hong Kong sevens tournament.
He made his All Blacks in 1994, on the left wing against France in Christchurch, aged 19 years 45 days.
After a shaky debut, he soon established himself as a potent match-winner, with his combination of size and acceleration too much for most opponents to handle.
Forty-three tries in 73 All Blacks games earned him a following overseas which sometimes superseded the recognition of his deeds in New Zealand.
The former Blues, Hurricanes and Chiefs winger underwent a kidney transplant in 2004. He attempted a short-lived comeback a year later.
Lomu was inducted into the International Rugby Board Hall of Fame in 2011.
He is survived by his wife Nadene and two sons - Brayley and Dhyreille.
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