Jonah Lomu Media Statement July 06

6 July 2004 For immediate release

Jonah Lomu said today that inaccurate reports about the timing of his kidney transplant, made last week, have placed immense pressure on him.

“There are a number of critical factors that are yet to be confirmed” he said.

“Once a donor is identified it can take months for a transplant to occur, and even then there are many factors that can delay the operation.

“We remain hopeful for a transplant before the end of the year but there are no guarantees that this will be the case.

“Over the next few months I will be focusing on keeping in good health to improve my chances of a successful transplant. I will be in and out of hospital for routine tests over this time.

“Fiona and I continue to be very grateful to the New Zealand public for their ongoing support and encouragement over this difficult time.”

Jonah Lomu has returned to New Zealand after a hectic eight-week tour of Europe, UK and Australia promoting his book. Sales of the book have been better than expected, with it breaking #5 on the bestseller list in the UK last month.

ENDS

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