Once the world’s most feared attacker in rugby, scoring 37 tries in 63 Test matches for New Zealand, Jonah Lomu was diagnosed in 1996 with nephrotic syndrome, a rare and serious kidney disorder. In 2003, Lomu’s condition deteriorated and he was put on dialysis three times a week. Side-effects of the treatment led to nerve damage in his feet and legs. He was warned that he faced life in a wheelchair if a kidney transplant was not performed and a kidney donor was found in July 2004.
Lomu completed a remarkable comeback when he made his first appearance since his transplant in December 2005 in Welsh club Cardiff's Heineken European Cup match at Calvisano in Italy. He started and played 60 minutes. Lomu, now 30, has become a regular in Cardiff’s team, and his presence has attracted some of the club’s biggest crowds of the year.
When he was at the peak of his fame, Lomu was a phenomenon and spectators leapt to their feet whenever he touched the ball, increasing attendances at any match where he appeared. At the age of 19 years and 45 days, Jonah Lomu became the youngest All Black Test player when he made his debut against France in 1994.
At the 1995 Rugby World Cup, he stunned audiences with his power play, scoring seven tries in five matches, including four in the semi-finals against England. In the 1999 World Cup he again played a fine series of games, creating a record of 20 tries in World Cup tournaments.
