Rugby: Lauaki suffering heart and kidney problems

Routine medical tests on ex-All Black Sione Lauaki have shown up heart and kidney problems.

Lauaki, who has 17 All Black test matches to his name, now plays for French rugby team Bayonne.

But it has ordered the loose forward off the field for the rest of the season, after a routine biological assessment at the end of January showed up heart and kidney problems.

After consulting specialists in Bayonne, Lauaki was now planning on travelling to London for further opinion.

"I've seen specialists in Bayonne and Bordeaux, and after having consulted with each other and the Bayonne team doctor, we agreed it was important to get another medical opinion," Lauaki told French newspaper L'Equipe.

"What has happened to me is disappointing. I've never had these types of problems before but that's life, and it's necessary for me to look after myself."

Lauaki took to Twitter to thank the public for their support.

"Thanks everyone for the tweets and support, I'm good so no need to panic, life is good even the parts that's not."

Just this morning (Sunday) he tweeted: "I know there's God lessons in all my obstacles."