Fears remain over Jonah Lomu

Former All Black star Jonah Lomu and Ethan Bai in front of the Webb Ellis Cup during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Opening Ceremony at Eden Park on September 9. Photo / Getty

Concerns over All Black legend Jonah Lomu's health are continuing, as it was revealed today that a women's magazine has signed an exclusive contract to report on his hospital stay.

It was revealed today that New Zealand Woman's Weekly has signed a contract with Lomu's family.

Lomu's family has asked for privacy on the issue.

The Auckland District Health Board (ADHB) told media tonight it had played no role in the contract.

"The Lomu family has asked that ADHB not release any information whatsoever about Jonah's care. We have respected their wishes at all times and continue to do so. The same courtesy would be extended to any of our patients.

"However, ADHB has become aware of the possibility of an exclusive agreement with a magazine. ADHB has had no involvement in any agreement whatsoever.''

Women's magazines have been known to pay thousands of dollars for exclusive rights to stories.

The All Blacks earlier rallied behind Lomu, who is in the renal and transplant unit at Auckland City Hospital in a condition last described as "stable."

In a sign that his health problems are perhaps more than routine, the All Black Rugby World Cup side stopped their training session yesterday to send him a photograph message: "Get well, Jonah. Kia kaha."

Lomu, 36, had a kidney transplant in 2004.

All Black hooker Keven Mealamu said the team wanted Lomu to know they were thinking of him.

"We just want him to get better. He's been a big part of the All Blacks in the past and probably a big part of what they are today, so it's just a nice message from the boys hoping he gets better quick."

Mealamu said it was sad to see a man like Lomu in his current state.

But organisers of a charity boxing event in which Lomu is scheduled to fight are hoping he will be fit for his December 3 bout.

The Fight for Life, in which Lomu will fight three rounds, possibly against Warriors wing Manu Vatuvei, is one of several public events the rugby legend has scheduled.

Fight for Life organiser Dean Lonergan said Lomu remained the event's headliner.

"Until I hear otherwise, he's going to stay on there ... I've just got my fingers crossed it's going to be all good.

"My first and foremost concern is that he's good and healthy, regardless of what he does on December 3," Lonergan said.

Lomu's wife, Nadene, last night said she could not confirm he would still be involved in the bout.

She also refused to comment on her husband's hospital stay.

Lomu is scheduled to be a guest at the Safaricom Sevens tournament in Kenya at the beginning of November. Organisers say his appearance depends on his health.

Lomu's last public appearance was a starring role at the Rugby World Cup opening ceremony.

Prime Minister John Key said he was saddened to hear that Lomu was unwell.

"I was thinking about trying to pop in to see him if I could," he said.

Lomu's former manager, Phil Kingsley Jones, said there was concern among his friends and former colleagues, who were all in the dark about his condition.

Lomu was diagnosed in 1995 with a kidney disorder known as nephrotic syndrome.

He had a kidney transplant in July 2004 after ZM radio host Grant Kereama became his donor.