All Blacks winger Jonah Lomu believes the rugby sevens could be one of the highlights of next year's Commonwealth Games.

Sixteen nations will compete in Manchester in the final three days of the sporting festival, which is being held between July 25 and August 4.

Lomu was included in the New Zealand side that took gold in Kuala Lumpur last time around and is anxious for an action replay.

He said: "Rugby sevens is fast and explosive. You see players do things you never normally see in a 15-man game.

"For people who don't know the game itself, it is best way to let them see what rugby is all about. It is basically a taster for the 15-man game.

"To have an opportunity to play at the Games is a great privilege and an honour for any rugby player.

"I would love to be here next year, but I've got to be selected to play and that's down to the coaches.

"There is a lot of rugby to be played between now and next July and I just hope I can steer clear of injuries."

England, Scotland and Wales are competing, as well as Australia, South Africa and Fiji.

But Lomu insists that world rankings will count for nothing when they get down to business in Manchester.

"It doesn't matter what your standing is," he said. "Anyone can come up from behind and get you.

"The matches are seven minutes each way and you have it all to do in that time.

"If you get off to a bad start you will have trouble getting back any kind of deficit."

New Zealand rugby sevens manager Tony Ward believes that all the competing countries will field their best sides.

"Without doubt the Commonwealth Games title is one of the toughest and most mentally challenging to win," he said.

"I expect just about every nation taking part will be drafting in their biggest names."