Lomu says he needs kidney transplant

RUGBY/News: New Zealand wing Jonah Lomu has said he will eventually need a kidney transplant. Lomu (28), started dialysis at the weekend for the rare kidney disease nephrotic syndrome.

Asked by New Zealand television interviewer Paul Holmes whether he needed a transplant, Lomu replied: "Yes I do."

Lomu, who became an international sensation when he scored four tries in the 45-29 semi-final demolition of England at the 1995 World Cup, was omitted from the All Black squad for Tests against England, Wales and France this month.

He said yesterday he still hopes to play in this year's World Cup, which opens in Sydney on October 10th, but conceded it is "highly recommended" that he not play after a transplant.

Lomu said, however, he thought he could still play even while on dialysis.

"There's danger in everything," he said. "You could walk around the corner and get hurt by a truck, there's always that possibility.

"A lot of people think I'm being very silly and putting my health at risk and so forth, but to me I'd risk everything to live the dream that I started.

"I wanted to play in the World Cup and win a World Cup. That will complete my life story."

Lomu reached the World Cup final of 1995, but the All Blacks were defeated by hosts South Africa, and in the 1999 competition lost to France in the semi-final.

England coach Clive Woodward, who arrived with his team in Wellington for a match against the New Zealand Maori and a Test, described Lomu as a "super player". "Our best wishes to him. I hope he makes the World Cup," Woodward said.

Lomu said adjusting to treatment for his chronic kidney disease was not as hard as staying away from rugby. "I had prepared my life around it before," he said. "Now I just cope and carry on."

Lomu was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome about seven years ago, but said his treatment made him feel strong enough to play rugby.

"The thing is nobody's tried it (during dialysis treatment). A guy's returned to basketball after a transplant, but no one's tried it in rugby."

He said he realised he may remain on dialysis for years before a kidney donor was found for a transplant, but he had not approached anyone and would not be doing so.

"If someone's giving it willingly that's different. But everything has to be done through the health authorities. I don't want to approach anyone about anything."

• Percy Montgomery has pledged to give his all for Newport after accepting that his World Cup dream is over.

The South Africa full back was banned for two years on Tuesday for pushing a touch judge, but, with 18 months of the punishment suspended, he will be playing again in six months.

That will be too late to play a part in the Springboks' World Cup plans, but Montgomery is just relieved that his professional career is not over.

Montgomery could have been given a life ban after pushing the match official during a Welsh Premiership match at Swansea last month.

The 29-year-old told the South Wales Argus: "I'm shocked and disappointed by what has happened and by the whole thing.

"I'm disappointed my World Cup ambitions are over and that my dream of playing in that won't come true.

"I'm banned from playing, but I want to get involved with the community, with the coaching side of things and teach the younger kids. We'll see where we can go on that.

"I've got to take it on the chin and set an example by being a role model.

"I've got to say to youngsters, 'You can't do this sort of thing'."