Jonah Lomu says his dream of wearing the All Blacks jersey at next year's World Cup is over but he rejects claims he demanded NZ$500,000 to stay in the game.

His failure to win a contract to play in next year's Super 14 meant his campaign to force his way into New Zealand's World Cup squad had ended, Lomu, who had a kidney transplant two years ago, told the Herald on Sunday newspaper.

"I'd be lying if I said I'm not disappointed about not getting a Super 14 contract," Lomu said.

"But I have had a go. I would have been more disappointed if I didn't have a go."

Lomu, who made 73 All Blacks appearances, had no regrets over the course his career had taken before or after he contracted the rare illness, nephritis, which led to renal failure and his kidney transplant.

"If I had my time over again, I wouldn't do anything differently," he said.

"I wouldn't even change the kidney illness. It has made me a better person.

"I don't feel I've let anyone down. I've given it my all.

"It's been a failure in the sense I didn't make the All Blacks but I certainly didn't fail myself.

"I dared to dream. Who can criticise me for that?"

Lomu has started only one match this season for North Harbour and his appearances off the bench have been brief and largely ineffective.

He was recently demoted to North Harbour's second 15, giving up his last hope of attracting the interest of a Super 14 franchise.

Lomu said reports last weekend claiming he had asked for $500,000 to keep him in New Zealand were completely false.

Lomu said his last formal discussions with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) were in 2003 when he was offered a $50,000 annual contract -- compared to the estimated $400,000 he had been on previously.

Lomu said neither he nor his wife, Fiona, had met the NZRU to discuss a contract for next season.

"I'm not sure where this has come from. But we have certainly not asked for anything from the NZRU."