Cardiff move will help comeback, says Lomu

Jonah Lomu

LONDON - Jonah Lomu is desperate to return to international rugby and believes his move to the Cardiff Blues will help his bid to make a comeback for the All Blacks.

"I'll play for seven months for the Cardiff Blues and then come back to New Zealand and play for North Harbour in the NPC," Lomu says on the Welsh club's website.

"It is a big commitment but it also shows that I'm willing to go to those lengths to get to where I want to be [playing for the All Blacks]. This is the only way I can do it."

The 30-year-old Lomu says he is back to full fitness after having surgery on the shoulder he injured in former England captain Martin Johnson's testimonial match in London on June 4.

It was his first competitive game in almost two years after having a kidney transplant in July 2004.

"The health is great, it's the least of my worries," added Lomu. "My shoulder is doing really, really well.

"I saw the surgeon two days ago and he's very pleased with where it's at. Everything is on target."

Lomu is due to arrive in Wales in the middle of November with a view to making his Cardiff debut in the first week of December.

"My timed return to the game is New Zealand's off-season so the opportunity with the Cardiff Blues suits perfectly," he said.

"It's a really exciting time to be involved in Welsh rugby. They are enjoying a real resurgence in the world game and as a country it shares the same passion and love for the sport that New Zealand does."

Wales bewitched and bewildered their opponents en route to the Six Nations grand slam this year.

Cardiff chief executive Robert Norster was delighted with the club's new signing.

"Jonah is obviously a fantastic player and a massive addition to any side," said Norster.

"The Cardiff Blues had a number of rivals for his signature but I think it shows our ambition and also reflects well on the progress of our national game that he has decided to play for us as he continues to rebuild his very impressive rugby career."

Lomu's career was blighted after he was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome in 1996

Cardiff Blues

Founded: 1876
Home ground: Cardiff Arms Park
* Provided more players to the national team and Lions than any other club in Wales.
* Famous players include Cliff Morgan, Gerald Davies, Barry John, Gareth Edwards.
* One of their most famous victories includes the 8-3 win over the All Blacks in 1953, the year their national side last beat New Zealand.
* Currently 5th in 11-team Celtic league.
* Current squad includes: Xavier Rush (ex-Auckland) and Wales internationals Tom Shanklin, Martyn Williams, Gethin Jenkins

- NZPA