Lomu is waiting for a kidney transplant

Lomu, who is attempting to return after a life-threatening kidney illness, has hardly played this season after needing dialysis treatment three times a week and on Thursday withdrew from rest of the Super 12 season.

But the 28-year-old has been backed by Wellington coach Colin Cooper.

Cooper said on Friday that Lomu's proven ability meant he had to be considered for selection for next season's squad even though he has played only 40 minutes of rugby since March.

"He's got such a proven record and he is someone you can't just not look at," said Cooper.

"We will be talking with Jonah and his medical staff to see where it progresses. We will do what's best for the Hurricanes and all selections will be what's best for the team."

Cooper, who will name his Hurricanes squad next month, said Lomu's selection depended on him re-signing with the New Zealand Rugby Union.

Lomu's current contract expires in December.

Feature: What now for Lomu?

Lomu, who was omitted from the All Black World Cup squad, admitted on Thursday that his condition meant he would have to pull out of New Zealand's domestic rugby season.

"I've been playing for years and years with problems, but this year it came to a head," he said.

"The dialysis is making me feel much better, but unfortunately I can't play rugby yet. But I'm still determined to get back."

Lomu's manager, Phil Kingsley Jones, added: "The dialysis treatment is going well but the veins in his feet are struggling to cope with the blood flow.

"That, in turn, has resulted in nerve problems in his feet and often means he has no feeling there. It has also resulted in calf muscle problems."

Lomu plans to use the rest of the year to try and regain fitness for next season's Hurricanes Super 12 campaign.