The Blues have paid tribute to Jonah Lomu, the bullocking winger who played 22 matches in winning two Super 12 titles with the Auckland-based team.

Blues head coach Tana Umaga, who played alongside Lomu with the All Blacks and the Hurricanes, said the news of the rugby legend's passing was a huge blow.

"Right now I am deeply upset and saddened by this news," Umaga said.

"My heartfelt thoughts are with his wife and children at this very sad time.

"It's not the right time to talk about his career, but rather to offer my condolences to his family at this very sad time."

#RIPJonah pic.twitter.com/b72VujMNUG

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 18, 2015

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

— John Key (@johnkeypm) November 18, 2015

Our thoughts are with the @JONAHTALILOMU family tonight. A very special person. @AllBlacks

— Sean Fitzpatrick (@frontrow92) November 18, 2015

Our thoughts go out to Jonah Lomu's family, @AllBlacks, and the Rugby community. A legend of the game. #RipJonah pic.twitter.com/kiflMkpEjh

— Wallabies (@Wallabies) November 18, 2015

Rest in peace to my brother Jonah Lomu. Going to miss you bro! /a>

A photo posted by Israel Folau (@izzyfolau) on Nov 17, 2015 at 5:32pm PST

I still can't believe the sad news. Love & thoughts go out to Jonahs family #RIPJonah

— Dan Carter (@DanCarter) November 18, 2015

I am so, so devastated to hear of the passing away of @JONAHTALILOMU The greatest superstar and just a fabulous human being. Deeply saddened

— Jonny Wilkinson (@JonnyWilkinson) November 18, 2015

Will never forget my 1st @WGTN_LIONS camp in 2003 @JONAHTALILOMU rocking up in his F150 with $500 worth of Burger King 4the boys#RIPLomu

— Neemia Tialata (@NeemiaTialata) November 18, 2015

RIP Jonah Lomu. Feared by all, LOVED by ALL. To play against and with you was a huge honour. You put Rugby on the global stage. Prayers

— Tim Horan (@TimHoran12) November 18, 2015

I can't believe the legend Jonah has passed away! So so sad An inspiration & hero to everyone ever involved in rugby #RIPJONAH #JonahLomu

— Mike Brown (@mikebrown_15) November 18, 2015

Such sad news hearing news just now of @JONAHTALILOMU. Such a gentleman and great role model for young Pasifika boys and girls. #RestIn

— Lote Tuqiri (@LoteTuqiri) November 18, 2015

RIP my all time favourite player Jonah Lomu. Will never forget the most crushing handshake I ever experienced as a 15 year old

— Cadeyrn Neville (@Cadeyrn) November 18, 2015

My thoughts and love are with the family of Jonah Lomu . Spent some time with him during the RWC. True gent and great man. #RIPJonah

— Scott Quinnell (@ScottQuinnell) November 18, 2015

Say it isn't so!! @JONAHTALILOMU was & always will be the greatest winger of all time!! Rest well mate!!

— Drew Mitchell (@drew_mitchell) November 18, 2015

1994 I was 11years old & saw my hero play for the All Blacks..A legend of the game & someone I wanted to be. #Jonah_Lomu #Can_Be_Only_One 11

— Cory Jane (@CoryJane1080) November 18, 2015

RIP Jonah Lomu - devastating news! True legend of the game

— DannyCipriani (@DannyCipriani87) November 18, 2015

Shocked, thoughts are with the Lomu family right now

— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) November 18, 2015

#11

A photo posted by The Blues (@bluesrugbyteam) on Nov 17, 2015 at 5:37pm PST

#RIPJonah

A photo posted by All Blacks (@allblacks) on Nov 17, 2015 at 4:32pm PST