Lomu resumes light training
2006-06-13 14:39
Auckland - Giant Kiwi wing Jonah Lomu is due to resume light training this week with New Zealand's North Harbour club after two months out of action with a broken ankle, coach Allan Pollock said on Tuesday.
To fulfil his hopes of qualifying for the 2007 World Cup in France, the 31-year-old must play in the National Provincial Championship this season to have a chance of making the 2007 Super 14 and possible All Blacks selection.
Lomu had kept trim working out in the gym despite being unable to put any weight on his injured leg for eight weeks, Pollock told NZPA news agency.
However, it was too early to say if he would be fit enough for the start of the club's Air NZ Cup campaign on July 30.
"Even though he's gym fit aerobically after hitting the rowing machines and cycles, running fitness and match fitness are two separate things," the coach said.
Lomu, who was on a seven-month contract with the Cardiff Blues, broke his ankle the Welsh Club's 46-11 win over Border Reivers on April 15.
The former All Black, who scored one try in 10 matches, was trying to resurrect his career in Wales after a succession of illnesses and injuries, including a serious kidney problem and shoulder surgery.
- SAPA