Lomu eying English adventure

All Blacks winger Jonah Lomu is hoping to make a return to competitive rugby in England.

Thirty-year-old Lomu had a kidney transplant last year and has not played international rugby since 2002 after being diagnosed with nephritic syndrome, reports he is in negotiations with English clubs.

The giant three-quarter underwent an operation on a shoulder injury sustained in Martin Johnson’s testimonial at Twickenham in June.

“My shoulder’s feeling good after surgery, but I have not been able to play for North Harbour because of it,” he said.

“The season in New Zealand will end soon, and I’m looking for regular rugby in the off-season. We are talking to a couple of English clubs, and that decision won’t be made until I get back home.”

Lomu’s encouraging words for Japan’s bid to host the 2011 Rugby World Cup are, meanwhile, likely to cause a stir in his home country which is also hoping to stage the same event.

“If the World Cup came to Japan it is going to grow the global game,” Lomu told the South China Morning Post.

“Everyone always talks about the best things in terms of growing the game, and in this regard I think it is time for the World Cup to come to Japan and Asia.”

Japan and New Zealand are bidding for the hosting rights along with South Africa, with the International Rugby Board due to decide in November who will host the finals.

“If Japan wins it, rugby will just get bigger,” said Lomu.

“The game is going to be more accessible to everyone and more open to Asia. A World Cup in Japan will show that rugby is truly a global game.”