Lomu targets 2005 return - 橄欖球

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/international/4000111.stm
Wednesday, 10 November, 2004, 15:30 GMT
Lomu targets return in 12 months


All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu is targeting a return to rugby in 12 months'
time with a view to playing in the 2007 World Cup in France.

The giant winger, who is recovering from a kidney transplant, scored 37
tries in 63 Tests between 1994-2002.

He said: "I'm still some way off playing, but hopefully this time next
year I will be pulling on a jersey.

"It would be great to wear the All Blacks shirt again and help them win
the 2007 World Cup."

The 29-year-old added: "It would be the pinnacle of my career and it's
something I've always dreamed of.

"Everything is on target health-wise and I have been doing some boxing,
kick-boxing and a lot of running."

Lomu, who was in Rome to receive awards from the Italian Rugby Federation,
insisted he has never considered retiring, despite his lengthy battle with
illness.

"I'm still a young man," he said. "To put things into perspective, Frank
Bunce became an All Black at the age of 29 and went on to play many matches.

"That shows you that if you have the desire and hunger to do something
you can succeed. Retiring has never entered my mind."

Lomu was the youngest All Blacks Test player at 19 years 45 days when he
won his first cap in 1994.

He was first diagnosed with kidney problems in 1995, the year he took the
rugby world by storm at the World Cup in South Africa.

He then starred at the 1999 World Cup in Great Britain, scoring two tries
in the semi-final defeat to France.

Lomu continued playing for the national team until 2002, when his health
deteriorated. By the time of the 2003 World Cup in Australia, he had been
reduced to a painful shuffle.


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