Lomu undergoes transplant

Former All Blacks winger Jonah Lomu has reportedly undergone a kidney transplant, but doctors say that it is too early too tell if the operation was a success or not.

Former All Black doctor John Mayhew revealed that Lomu had received a kidney from a live donor on Tuesday.

"It is too early to comment on the success of the transplant," Mayhew told the New Zealand PA.

"Surgeons confirm that the operation went according to plan and Jonah is in a stable condition.

"We do not expect to be in position to comment on the success of the transplant for at least three months, at which time we will have a better picture of how Jonah's new kidney is functioning.

"The donor, who wishes to remain unidentified, is said to be resting and in good spirits. Typically donors are not identified in transplant situations.

"We respect this and will do all we can to ensure the donor's privacy."

Lomu has been suffering from a rare kidney disease, nephritis, for over ten years and his rugby career was brought to an end last year after he began dialysis treatment.

But the giant winger continually stressed his determination to return to the game and revealed that he was hoping to take part in the Rugby World Cup in France in 2007.

Whether that is an option, however, is still to be determined.