|
Lomu rejects offer
27/10/2006 08:05 - (SA)
Gold Coast, Australia - Jonah Lomu has turned down a contract offer from the expansion Gold Coast Titans in Australia's National Rugby League, preferring to remain in rugby union.
The Titans said on Friday that Lomu, 31, informed the club's management of his decision to reject their one-year offer.
Titans' managing director Michael Searle said he was disappointed but understood Lomu's decision.
"We understand and respect the business decision Jonah has made and wish him all the best in rugby and in life," he said.
The ex-All Blacks winger did not attract an offer from any of the Super 14 rugby union franchises, and met with Titans officials last week with a view to playing rugby league in 2007.
Lomu was reported to be considering offers from abroad and from lower tier rugby union clubs in Australia.
Searle said at the time he was impressed with Lomu's condition, despite concerns over the giant winger's fitness since returning from a lifesaving kidney transplant in 2004.
Lomu last month admitted his dream of representing New Zealand at next year's Rugby World Cup was over when he missed a Super 14 contract for 2007.
Lomu's desire to play for New Zealand at the World Cup in France drove him to make a comeback to top rugby after his kidney transplant, against most medical advice.
He remained determined, in defiance of that opinion, to prove he could add to the last of his 73 All Blacks appearances in 2002.
After playing in a benefit match for former England captain Martin Johnson in June 2005, he won a contract with the Welsh club Cardiff.
Both ventures ended with injuries but he returned to New Zealand and signed to play with North Harbour in the National Provincial Championship.
Lomu started only one match this season and his appearances off the bench were brief and largely ineffective.
- AP
|
