Former All Blacks coach John Hart said on Tuesday he has no doubt that giant former All Blacks wing Jonah Lomu can return from a kidney transplant to play at the highest level again.
Lomu said on Monday in London he will return to 15-a-side rugby for the first time in three years to lead a southern-hemisphere team against Martin Johnson’s northern-hemisphere side. The former England captain’s testimonial match will take place at Twickenham on June 4.
There are many who doubt Lomu can come back to top-level rugby after a long-standing kidney illness, nephrotic syndrome, forced him out of the game in 2002. He was reduced to barely being able to walk at times before a kidney transplant last year.
Hart, who will coach Lomu’s side in the Twickenham match, said he is confident Lomu (29) is doing the right thing, given the specialist medical advice he has been given.
”I’m very confident about where he stands and that there is no risk for him,” Hart said on New Zealand radio.
Lomu could return better than the player who terrorised defences in 63 Tests — particularly at the 1995 and 1999 World Cups — because he was then suffering the effects of the kidney illness.
”He was playing when he was 50% or 60% right, and the way he performed then, if he is able to get back to full fitness then I have no doubt he can get back to the top level,” said Hart, All Black coach from 1996 to 1999.
”I know how strong his mind is, I know how dedicated and committed he is to playing the game again and he only wants to play at the top level.” — Sapa-AFP