Former All Blacks wing Jonah Lomu says he is eager to begin his seven-month stay in Wales when he joins the Cardiff Blues in mid-November. "It's a really exciting time to be involved in Welsh rugby," Lomu said.
"They are enjoying a real resurgence in the world game and as a country it shares the same passion and love for the sport that New Zealand does.
"I have always felt such great warmth from the Welsh and I look forward to joining the Blues later this year."
The Welsh region officially announced they had signed the 30-year-old on Saturday ahead of their Powergen Cup match with Saracens.
Blues coach Dai Young said he was eager for the powerhouse Kiwi to arrive at the Arms Park.
"Jonah's arrival is sure to strengthen our backline and we hope he will have an immediate impact on the whole squad," Young said.
 |  The opportunity with the Cardiff Blues suits perfectly |
"Jonah is a great ambassador for rugby and the Cardiff Blues supporters can look forward to him starring for the team in early December."
Since bursting onto the world scene at the 1995 World Cup, Lomu's career has been blighted by a kidney problem - nephritic syndrome - that resulted in a transplant last year.
But his recovery from that was delayed by a serious shoulder injury last June during a testimonial match for former England skipper Martin Johnson.
New Zealand rugby enters a three-month off-season in November.
So Lomu has opted to come to the northern hemisphere for competitive rugby to aid his ultimate goal - a return to the All Blacks side he last played for in 2002.
"The shoulder injury I incurred during the match in June took me out of the NPC season in New Zealand," Lomu added.
"My timed return to the game is New Zealand's off-season so the opportunity with the Cardiff Blues suits perfectly.
"This is the only way I can do it. I'll play for seven months for the Cardiff Blues then come back here and play for North Harbour in the NPC.
"The health is great, it's the least of my worries, and my shoulder is doing really, really well.
"I saw the surgeon two days ago and he's very pleased with where it's at. Everything is on target."
MMIX
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