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Related Articles Lomu set for transplant

Jul 30, 2004

Former All Black winger Jonah Lomu is recovering after a kidney transplant two days ago, and is a chance of playing top level rugby again.

Lomu who has been suffering from the rare condition known as nephrotic syndrome for almost 10 years, received a new kidney from an anonymous donor.

The 29-year-old was as "well as could be expected" after a four to five hour operation, former All Black team doctor John Mayhew, who has been treating Lomu, said in a statement.

"We do not expect to be in position to comment on the success of the transplant for at least three months, at which time we will have a better picture of how Jonah's new kidney is functioning," he said.

Lomu said in February he faced life in a wheelchair if he did not receive a new kidney. A nerve specialist had told him he might not walk again because of nerve trouble in his legs caused by dialysis treatment.

Mayhew said Lomu's surgeon has given him a "tacit approval" to play rugby again although the full understanding of how successful the operation has been is not going to be known for another three months or so.

Lomu learnt in 1995, before he barnstormed his way into international rugby, that he was at risk of kidney failure because of the disease.

But he went on to dominate 1995 World Cup where he scored four stunning tries against England in the semifinals. He was at his fearsome best again in the 1999 tournament where he finished as leading try scorer.

He had missed most of the 1997 season while undergoing treatment.

Lomu was unable to play in the 2003 tournament, completing only three Super 12 matches before cutting his season short to receive dialysis.

Lomu became the youngest New Zealand international at the age of 19 in 1994. He played 63 tests and scored 37 tries.