A TATTOO artist from Barry has paid tribute to his friend Jonah Lomu, after the rugby legend died suddenly at the age of 40.

All Blacks star Jonah, who had been suffering health problems due to a rare kidney disease, died in the morning of Tuesday, November 18 at his home in Auckland.

Lomu was diagnosed with the kidney condition nephrotic syndrome in 1996 and underwent a kidney transplant in 2004. But after it failed in 2011, he became reliant on dialysis.

Tattoo artist Lee Clements had become Jonah's artist of choice during his time in Cardiff and the pair became friends, with Jonah often spending time at Lee's house and Lee travelling with the Rugby Union superstar.

Posting online today Lee, who runs Chimera Tattoo Studio on Broad Street, said: "The world has lost one of the greatest sporting heroes of all time, never again will there be someone of such rare character and skill.

"But I will remember the gentle, kind man who was always softy spoken and would always make time to talk to his fans.

"Most of all I will miss my friend who would stay up late and watch movies with me and talk until the early hours. But of course he would still be first up to make breakfast - usually French toast.

"My thoughts today are with your family. Nadene who he loved very dearly and his two beautiful sons Brayley and Dhyrelle. RIP big man I will miss you."