New Zealand Rugby
Lomu released from hospital
ESPNscrum Staff
October 11, 2011
Ex-New Zealand wing Jonah Lomu greets fans ahead of the New Zealand and Japan clash, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, New Zealand, September 16, 2011
New Zealand's legendary winger Jonah Lomu has been released from hospital after suffering kidney failure © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Jonah Lomu
Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup
Teams: New Zealand

All Black great Jonah Lomu has been released from hospital, according to reports in New Zealand.

The 36-year-old was discharged from Auckland City Hospital's renal unit on Monday, just 16 days after being admitted with kidney failure.

Lomu had been undergoing intensive daily dialysis and other treatment to repair the kidney he received in a 2004 transplant, which was donated by ZM Radio announcer Grant Kereama.

Before being taken ill, he was training for the Fight for Life charity boxing event to be held on December 3. It was believed pressure from training, including a protein-heavy diet, was a factor for his ill health.

The legendary winger was admitted to hospital with vomiting and fevers and he confirmed in an interview with Women's Weekly that his body had ''started to shut down''.

He had a feature role in the Rugby World Cup opening ceremony at Eden Park on September 9, where he took centre stage and participated in a dance, but is not taking part in closing ceremonies.

Lomu was diagnosed with the debilitating kidney disorder nephrotic syndrome in 1995 and underwent aggressive treatment and dialysis, which helped put him back on his feet. The medical team caring for him this time are likewise trying to revive his kidney through dialysis.

Auckland District Health Board transplant unit clinical director Stephen Munn said a transplant failure could occur if it the organ became blocked, the body tried to reject it or if there was a disease recurrence.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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