TRIBUTES have poured in for an "iconic" rugby player who has died.

As the rugby world mourns the death of Jonah Lomu people in Reading have paid their tributes to the former New Zealand star.

He visited Reading in August this year as part of a Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour at Green Park and mingled with supporters signing autographs and posing for pictures.

Now Jason McMahon from the RFU Legacy Group Berkshire, who organised the event with Oxford Properties, has paid tribute.

Jason said: “It's extremely sad news, he was an iconic rugby player and an incredible man. That day we went to meet him at the train station and as soon as he got off that train he didn't stop signing things and taking pictures with people, he took time for everybody.

“He brought his two boys Brayley, 6 and Dhyreille, 5 and his wife Nadene with him and they were all with my family just playing and chatting while he worked. He was just an instantly warm, friendly and welcoming person.

“He had been on dialysis the night before so his energy must have been low but he devoted every minute to making sure people got what they wanted and took the time to talk to everybody. I have always admired him and looked up to him, he was probably one of my main reasons for loving the game so much and it's a very sad loss.

“But when you get a chance to meet such a warm, humble individual who is such a family man, it's very sad to think about the kids that he leaves behind and also sad news for the world of rugby on the back of one of the best world cups.

“I think the thing I will take away is that Reading got an opportunity to meet such an iconic man from rugby, I've seen lots of people's messages from that day and seen people posting pictures of it again today and it feels quite special to know that we were able to bring him here.”

Reports say Lomu passed away 'suddenly' last night, aged 40. He was diagnosed with a rare kidney condition in 1996 and had a transplant in 2011.

The condition forced his early retirement after a stellar career that saw him score 37 tries in 63 matches for New Zealand between 1994 and 2002.

He had spent most of the summer with his wife and two children touring Europe and the UK while commentating on the Rugby World Cup, returning home to New Zealand only yesterday.