Jonah Lomu dead: David Beckham, Dan Carter, Jonny Wilkinson and more pay tribute to rugby's 'greatest superstar'

Lomu passed away at his home in Auckland

Jonny Wilkinson and David Beckham have led the tributes to Jonah Lomu, the New Zealand rugby union legend who died on Wednesday at the age of 40.

Wilkinson, who kicked England to victory in the 2003 World Cup, described Lomu as the "greatest superstar and just a fabulous human being".

Auckland-born Lomu burst onto the global stage at the 1995 World Cup as a 19-year-old and is best remembered for scoring seven tries in four matches in that tournament, including four in the semi-final against England in Cape Town.

He retired from the game in 2007, the year he was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. He also joined the IRB Hall of Fame four years later.

New Zealand prime minister John Key was quick to take to social media and pay tribute to Lomu, who was in the United Kingdom for the recent Rugby World Cup - which was won by the All Blacks.

Key tweeted: "Deeply saddened to hear of Jonah Lomu's unexpected passing this morning. The thoughts of the entire country are with his family."

Others were quick to acknowledge the significant contribution of Lomu to the game.

Former New Zealand captain Sean Fitzpatrick took to Twitter to say: "Our thoughts are with the @JONAHTALILOMU family tonight. A very special person. @AllBlacks."

Current All Blacks favourite Dan Carter tweeted: "I still can't believe the sad news. Love & thoughts go out to Jonahs family £RIPJonah."

Wilkinson, who kicked England to victory in the 2003 World Cup, said: "I am so, so devastated to hear of the passing away of @JONAHTALILOMU The greatest superstar and just a fabulous human being. Deeply saddened."

Former Wales fly-half Jonathan Davies said: "Can't believe that Jonah Lomu has passed away. Was with him and his wife and family for an evening last month. So sad, life is so cruel.

"RIP Jonah you were a true legend and a gentleman.You changed the game of rugby and will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with your family."

Cardiff Blues tweeted about the man who played for them in 2005-06: "The All Black in Blue. Rugby's first global superstar... a friend we will miss always £RIPJonah £legend £alwaysablue."

David Beckham: "So sad to hear the news about this amazing giant of a man... A sporting hero and one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet.. A credit to his country, his family and to the sport that he passionately played... Jonah you will be missed..."