Lomu targets 2005 return
November 10, 2004

Speaking in Rome ahead of the all Blacks game with Italy on Saturday Jonah Lomu has revealed that he wants to return to rugby sometime next year - with the intention of making the All Black side for the 2007 World Cup.

Lomu underwent a kidney transplant operation earlier this year after suffering from the rare kidney nephrotic syndrome that gradually reduced his effectiveness.

"Everything is on target at the moment. I'm feeling great," he said. "I've been given the OK to get on with training. In terms of playing, I'm hoping that sometime next year I'll be pulling on a jersey, though the long-term goal is to pull on an All Blacks jersey again.

"My red blood cell count is still below normal, but it's a lot better than it used to be. I'm finding energy that I just didn't have before."

Lomu received a particularly warm welcome on Wednesday from fellow Kiwi and current Italy coach John Kirwan, who was his first room mate when he became an All Black.
"It's great to see him back," said former winger Kirwan. "I remember the first time I saw him play. My first thought was: 'OK, it's time for you to stop'."

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