Lomu suffers new illness setback
All Blacks giant Jonah Lomu is to take a four-week break from rugby after a flare up of his chronic kidney problem.
New Zealand Rugby Union deputy chief executive Steve Tew revealed that Lomu will stop playing immediately and seek medical assistance.
Tew said: “Jonah’s health is paramount and his doctors have recommended that he take a full break from rugby so that he can receive the appropriate medical treatment.”
The decision has the full support of the Hurricanes franchise, the NZRU and Lomu’s manager Phil Kingsley Jones.
“Our aim is to help Jonah get back to full health and back on the rugby field,” Tew added.
Lomu was diagnosed as having Nephrotic Syndrome, a rare and serious kidney disorder, at the end of 1996 and he has been receiving regular treatment including consultations with All Blacks doctor John Mayhew.
“This is a chronic intermittent condition which has fluctuated over the last six or seven years,” Mayhew said.
“We are hopeful that the modifications in his treatment will enable him to return to rugby in the near future.
“We will re-evaluate the situation after four weeks.”
All Blacks coach John Mitchell said everyone involved with the team hoped to see Lomu back on the rugby field soon.
“Our feelings are with Jonah and we wish him well in his recovery,” Mitchell added.
