New Zealand Rugby
Lomu in a 'stable condition'
ESPNscrum Staff
September 25, 2011
Jonah Lomu leads the opening ceremony, World Cup opening ceremony, Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, September 9, 201
Jonah Lomu was the star attraction during the Rugby World Cup's opening ceremony © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links
Players/Officials: Jonah Lomu
Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup
Teams: New Zealand

All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu is in a "stable condition" having been admitted to hospital before New Zealand's Rugby World Cup clash with France at Eden Park on Friday.

Despite the Auckland Health Board confirming that Lomu is in the kidney ward it is not yet known if Lomu's admission is related to the rare kidney disorder that interrupted his playing days and led to a transplant in 2004. And his wife Nadene released a statement on Sunday which read: "All I can say is my husband is stable and until we know exactly what's wrong, we are not prepared to comment."

All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen paid tribute to the winger offering his best wishes saying: "We heard (about it) this morning which is really sad news," he said. "We don't know too much about it other than he's in hospital. Our thoughts are with the big fella and hopefully he makes a speedy recovery."

Lomu is arguably the most famous player in the history of the game, having established himself as the sport's first global superstar with his remarkable performances for the All Blacks during the 1995 World Cup in South Africa and the monster winger still holds the all time try-scoring record having notched 15 tries across the 1995 and 1999 tournaments.

Capped 63 times during an eight-year international career, Lomu made his most recent public appearance during the opening ceremony for the current World Cup at Eden Park on September 9 and is an official ambassador for the tournament.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices