Lomu donor identified as radio presenter

4.30pm

Jonah Lomu's kidney donor has been identified as radio presenter Grant Kereama.

The 29-year-old All Black star was released from Auckland hospital at the weekend after undergoing the operation on Tuesday last week.

In a statement Mr Kereama said: "I had two kidneys and I am in great health. Jonah was not well and was in need of one. It was very simple for me."

A spokeswoman for Lomu said the two men had known each other for several years.

Mr Kereama is a radio presenter for 91ZM where he has been with the Morning Crew for over 10 years. He is married to fellow Morning Crew presenter Pauline Gillespie.

Lomu's spokesman said the donor's name had only been released because of "persistence" by the media.

"We are disappointed that this has become public. It's a very private pact between Jonah and I. I don't think it is for others to judge or comment on," Mr Kereama said.

"Jonah has been through an enormous ordeal and we just want him to be able to recuperate quietly and out of the public eye".

The spokesman said neither men would be giving interviews while they recuperated.

Earlier doctors described Lomu's progress over the past week as excellent, but the success of the transplant will not be known for at least three months.

Lomu's new kidney has been put in the less vulnerable position behind the ribcage, rather than in the lower abdomen.

- STAFF REPORTER