Jonah Lomu

Jonah Tali Lomu (born May 12, 1975) is a New Zealand rugby union footballer who played 73 times (63 test matches) as an All Black after debuting in 1994. Lomu, who is currently attempting a comeback after undergoing a kidney transplant in 2004, is generally regarded as the first superstar of rugby union's professional era.

Comeback Quest

After his successful kidney transplant, Lomu has devoted himself to training, and is aiming to play for the All Blacks in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. In January 2005 he announced his intentions to lead a team against Martin Johnson's invitational XV on June 4 at Twickenham.

Related Topics:
All Blacks - January 2005 - Martin Johnson - June 4 - Twickenham

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He scored a try in the first half of the Johnson testimonial, but injured his shoulder in the process and did not return for the second half, dampening an otherwise encouraging first appearance. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/4610453.stm As it turned out, his injury was more serious than originally thought; he is set to undergo surgery on the shoulder that will force him to miss the 2005 NPC season.

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Before returning to professional rugby, Jonah needed special clearance from the World Anti-Doping Agency, as one of the anti-rejection drugs he must take is on the WADA list of banned substances. http://www.rugbyrugby.com/COUNTRY_BY_COUNTRY/New_Zealand/Country_News/story_38268.shtml On April 8 2005, he signed a two-year contract to play for the New Zealand first division provincial team North Harbour in the NPC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/4422983.stm). On the 9th August 2005 he accepted a coaching position at North Harbour (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=4&ObjectID=10340009). Lomu and North Harbour agreed to allow him to play overseas during the NPC offseason, and he signed with the Cardiff Blues of the Celtic League and will begin play in Wales in December 2005. (http://www.rugbyrugby.com/news/story_46405.shtml) Lomu will return to North Harbour for the 2006 NPC season. (http://www.cardiffblues.com/index.cfm?method=rugby.newsdetail&newsid=1054)

Related Topics:
World Anti-Doping Agency - April 8 - 2005 - North Harbour - 9th August - Cardiff Blues - Celtic League - Wales

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There is precedent for a professional athlete returning to competition after kidney transplant surgery; two NBA players, Sean Elliott and Alonzo Mourning, have done so. However, the level of physical impact in rugby is far greater than that in basketball. Whether or not Jonah's comeback quest succeeds, his amazing feats are seared into the memory of New Zealand fans; and he remains one of their most revered sporting icons.

Related Topics:
NBA - Sean Elliott - Alonzo Mourning

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