Lomu could play again after kidney transplant

A New Zealand Rugby Union doctor says Jonah Lomu could play again, even if he has a kidney transplant.

The All Blacks winger may undergo transplant surgery before the end of the year if a suitable donor can be found.

He began dialysis on Saturday after suffering a severe deterioration in his kidneys, brought about by the nephrotic syndrome he has battled since 1996.

Lomu is adamant he will conquer his illness and play for the All Blacks again.

Mayhew refused to rule out that possibility, saying: "We'll get Jonah right, get him a kidney and then see what happens. It's feasible, I'm not saying it's probable."

Auckland renal expert Krishnan Madhan said there had been recorded cases in which sportspeople resumed careers after kidney surgery, he said.

But other medical experts said such a return was unlikely. Transplanted kidneys are often placed at the front of the abdomen and would be vulnerable to injury. Transplant patients were generally discouraged from playing contact sport.

More than 400 New Zealanders are on kidney waiting lists and, unless a specific donor can be found, Lomu might have to wait years for surgery. Mayhew said a "directed donation" of a suitable organ by a fan, friend or family member could cut that wait to six months.