Lomu makes comeback

2006-07-14 09:26

Wellington - Legendary rugby winger Jonah Lomu will renew his bid to regain his All Black place on Saturday when he takes the field in an Auckland club match.

Since receiving a kidney transplant in 2004, 31-year-old Lomu has been trying to resurrect his glory days but a stint with Welsh side Cardiff was cut short in April by an ankle injury.

Lomu has resumed training and has been named to play on the wing for club side Massey in Auckland's North Harbour competition.

"He's No 11 if I can find a jersey big enough for him. You might see him at No 3," said Massey coach Graham Lowe, referring to jerseys reserved for hulking front row forwards.

Lomu has been signed to play for National Provincial Championship team North Harbour since last year but a string of injuries has hampered the huge winger's return to New Zealand rugby.

The 63-Test veteran, famous for swatting aside defending players or simply running over them, has set his sights on returning to the All Blacks and playing a third World Cup.

Lowe told the New Zealand Press Association he was confident Lomu was ready to play again after just two training sessions with the club.

"He's fizzing, he's on a mission," Lowe said.

"He's had a few setbacks but he's got an outstanding attitude and he's highly motivated."

Lomu has also been training with the North Harbour provincial squad.

"He's had plenty of fitness tests, he's had contact work - he's as conditioned as he possibly can be without actually playing a game," said Lowe.

- AFP