Jonah Lomu's manager has dismissed reports in Australia that the New Zealand All Black could be forced into retirement. Lomu, who missed Saturday's Super 12 final against Auckland in Canterbury because of a foot injury, is battling with a serious kidney complaint caused by Nephrotic Syndrome.

Suggestions in Australia were that Lomu's condition had deteriorated, but his manager, Welshman Phil Kingsley-Jones, and All Black's doctor John Mahew have refuted those claims.

"Everyone is always asking me how he is," said Kingsley-Jones. "I remind Jonah that doctors haven't cured him, but his condition has stabilised and it is good enough to play rugby with."

Mayhew added: "His illness and health is unchanged. In fact, we are very pleased because there have actually been some positive games.

"He is under my care, and that of a leading kidney specialist, and we are happy with his progress. His condition is definitely nowhere near as bad as some are saying."

"His blood tests are not normal but they are less abnormal than they were. I'm not saying we have cured him, but he is in better shape not than at the beginning of last year's England tour."