Lomu puts Barbarians on hold
April 26, 2001

Jonah Lomu will wait for the outcome of the Super 12 before deciding whether to join the Barbarians' UK tour next month.

The All Black wing has been invited to play for the Baa-baas in their series against Wales, Scotland and England but his first commitment is to the Wellington Hurricanes.

Lomu featured for the Barbarians last season, playing against Ireland before being recalled to New Zealand for an All Black trial. He would have lined up in the Millennium Stadium appointment with South Africa last December had it not been for injury.

``I am thrilled to be asked again but, first and foremost, my commitments are with the Wellington Hurricanes in the Super 12 tournament,'' Lomu said.

``Last year, it was a great honour to fulfil one of my rugby ambitions in pulling on the Baa-baas shirt.

``To represent the Barbarian Club, which has so much history attached to it, has to be a lifetime ambition for any player.

``It also gives me the unique opportunity to play the attacking style of rugby the Barbarians are renowned for.''

The Hurricanes are currently eighth in the Super 12 standings but are in with a chance of making the top four, and a play-off spot that could lead to a 26 May final.

The Baa-baas, shorn of strong British representation due to the Lions tour, have cast their net far and wide.

Players who have so far accepted invitations include South Africans Gary Teichmann, Joost van der Westhuizen, Bobby Skinstad and Percy Montgomery, and Australians David Wilson, Jason Little and Pat Howard..

The tourists meet Wales in Cardiff on 20 May, Scotland at Murrayfield four days later and then England at Twickenham on 27 May.

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