SOUTHEND Saxons’ Kris Chesney has paid tribute to his former room-mate Jonah Lomu who died aged just 40 earlier this week.

Chesney, who made more than 300 appearances for Premiership giants Saracens, twice toured with the All Blacks legend while lining up for the Barbarians.

And he is still struggling to come to term with Lomu’s death.

“Ever since I’ve heard the news I’ve just felt empty to be honest,” said Chesney.

“Jonah was one of the greatest players the game has ever seen and was rugby’s first real global superstar.

“I played against him in the Sevens World Cup which wasn’t something to really treasure and it was certainly much better to have him on your team.

“I feel exceptionally lucky to be able to say I did play alongside him and was fortunate enough to go on two tours with him for the Barbarians.

“I roomed with him as well and he was such a lovely bloke.”

Lomu, who scored 37 tries in 63 matches for New Zealand between 1994 and 2002, had been diagnosed with a rare and serious kidney condition by 1996.

It forced the winger to quit the game and he had a kidney transplant in 2004 only for the organ to stop functioning in 2011.

Despite that, he came to England to watch the recent World Cup and Chesney had no idea has serious Lomu’s illness still was.

“He was here only a few weeks ago and I didn’t realise how ill he was,” said Chesney.

“It’s just terrible news. On the pitch Jonah was as hard as nails but off it he was so nice and would do anything to help you.

“When we roomed together he would always wake up early and make tea.

“He would also always ask if there was anything you needed before he went to the shop, and he was a typical Pacific Islander.

“My thoughts go out to his wife and two sons and what’s happened is incredibly sad.”