Lomu on sidelines for four months

Jonah Lomu's rugby comeback has been put on hold for four months at least as the former All Black great undergoes surgery on a shoulder complaint.

Lomu hurt his left shoulder playing in Englishman Martin Johnson's testimonial match at London on June 4, his first match in nearly two years after undergoing treatment for a debilitating kidney complaint.

Lomu, 30, had been named in a 27-strong North Harbour squad preparing to play Samoa next Wednesday, but scans yesterday revealed the extent of his problem.

"Specialists advised today that Jonah will undergo surgery on his left shoulder in the next few days, for a reduction and internal fixation of a fractured glenoid," said North Harbour team doctor John Mayhew yesterday.

"It is an unfortunate rugby accident, but we expect Jonah to make a full recovery.

"He will need a minimum of four months' recuperation and rehabilitation following the surgery."

Mayhew stressed that the injury was not related to his renal problems.

Lomu, who has spent the last year recuperating from a kidney transplant, will not be available for North Harbour selection this season.

"Our primary concern is for Jonah," said North Harbour chief executive Noel Coom.

"We were full of admiration for him when he ran on to the field at Twickenham.

"While we share in his disappointment that he won't be commencing the NPC season with us this year, this does not appear to be a career-threatening injury and I'm sure he will be back to play some great rugby in the future."

Lomu said he was naturally "gutted".

"I was really looking forward to the season with North Harbour and to returning to New Zealand rugby.

"For me it's yet another challenge to get my head and my body around. But right now it's one step at a time - surgery and then a rehabilitation programme."

- NZPA