Rugby was Lomu's escape from a tough youth and the great man went on to play 63 Test matches for the All Blacks in a celebrated career from 1994 through to 2002.
He burst onto the global stage at the 1995 Rugby World Cup when he scored seven tries in four matches, including four tries in the semi-final against England.
That same year saw Lomu first diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome but his career continued unabated - he scored eight more tries at the 1999 Rugby World Cup to take his career total to 15 at Rugby World Cups - a record that stands to this day.
Lomu arrived to play for Cardiff Blues in 2005. He went onto make ten appearances, scoring one try, and thousands came to watch him in action.
On the field he was a game changer, a destructive and supremely talented winger who has given so many memories that all rugby fans will always cherish.
Away from the action he was a kind, humble and caring family man - Lomu is survived by his wife Nadene and their two sons Brayley, 6, and Dhyreille, 5 - children he was told he would never have due to his medical condition.
Jonah was loved by his many fans both in the Cardiff region and around the world.
The club's heartfelt sympathies go out to Jonah's family and friends at this time.
A tribute will take place to him prior to kick-off in Cardiff Blues' European Rugby Challenge Cup clash with Harlequins this Thursday evening. Further details will be issued later today.
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