Jonah Lomu’s rugby comeback has taken an unexpected detour with his appointment to the coaching staff of the New Zealand first division provincial team North Harbour.
Lomu’s return to top play after a life-threatening kidney ailment began and ended in a benefit match for former England captain Martin Johnston at Twickenham in June.
The blockbusting All Blacks winger made his first appearance in that match since an operation in June 2004 gave him a replacement kidney to correct the rare condition nephritis. His comeback lasted only half a game, however, before he sustained a shoulder injury which has sidelined him for the New Zealand domestic season.
Lomu had been signed by North Harbour to play in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championships which starts on Saturday.
Although no longer able to take the field, Lomu has found a role in the Auckland-based province’s coaching staff.
”I use him as another pair of eyes,” North Harbour coach Allan Pollock said Tuesday.
”We use him to have a look at what the backs are trying to do on attack and defence and play the devil’s advocate.
”He’s someone who has come in with a totally different pair of eyes, and as he’s experienced some fantastic things in New Zealand and world rugby he’s adding more depth to what we do.”
Pollock said Lomu’s appointment to a coaching position had not eased his frustration at not being able to play.
”He’s feeling the same frustration that rugby players all over New Zealand feel. Players are passionate about playing the game. Take that away and they become a little upset,” Pollock said. – Sapa-AP