"He was rugby's first superstar, the whole world will feel this."
A deeply emotional Josh Kronfeld has paid tribute to former All Blacks team mate Jonah Lomu and "the man who changed the face of rugby, forever".
Kronfeld, who played beside Lomu in the All Blacks' World Cup final team of 1995, says he has been left shocked and devastated by the news of Lomu's death in Auckland today, aged 40, after seeing him in good spirits a matter of weeks ago.
Regarded as one of the most articulate and intelligent members of the rugby community, Kronfeld says he and Lomu - who used to be "movie partners" whenever they went on tour with the All Blacks - bumped into each other a month before the start of New Zealand's successful Rugby World Cup defence in England recently.
"Obviously Jonah has had a battle with kidney issues in recent years, but it's nevertheless shocking to hear of what's happened. I'm devastated," Kronfeld said.
"We saw each other just before the World Cup he was talking very positively about his dialysis. He seemed OK.
"He was rugby's first superstar, the whole world will feel this."
Kronfeld, who during his tribute took moments to compose himself, said the world has lost a man who transcended their sport.
"Jonah was rugby's first superstar. While there were big names before him like Sir Colin Meads, Jonah's impact was felt so widely around the world. He created a brand which will live on," he said.
"He was a monster of a rugby player, but off the field, he was as warm as anyone you could ever meet."
A reflective Kronfeld also turned his thoughts of the young family Lomu leaves behind, including wife Nadene and two young children, and the fragility of live after the tragic death of another former All Black, Jerry Collins, in June.
In a recent interview, Lomu had said his only wish was to stay alive to see his kids turn 21.
"I just can't help but think of the young family he leaves behind, children are going to have to grow up without their father," Kronfeld said.
"The deaths of Jerry Collins and Jonah Lomu, in such a short space of time, are a reminder of how fragile life is.
"I'm in shock. He wasn't just a great player, he was a great man."
By Simon Plumb of the Herald on Sunday
