The former New Zealand winger is recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered in a benefit match for Martin Johnson in June, his first game after recovering from a kidney transplant last year.

The 30-year-old has signed a two-year NPC contract with North Harbour but is currently acting in an ad hoc coaching role and the NPC season, which finishes at the end of October, will be over before Lomu is fit.

The 63-Test veteran revealed he has therefore spoken to clubs in France and Ireland who are willing to help in his bid to secure a Super 14 deal for 2007 and impress All Blacks coach Graham Henry enough to achieve his 'ultimate goal', a place at the 2007 World Cup in France.

That means Lomu could feature for Irish outfits Munster, Ulster or Leinster or French sides Bourgoin, Castres, Perpignan, Clermont Auvergne, Stade Francais, Toulouse or Biarritz this season.

He told the Herald on Sunday: I've just set another game plan so I can get football. I just need game time.

By the time I get the nod to play, the rugby season in New Zealand is over. So now I have to look at other options.
The gameplan has veered slightly but the ultimate goal is still the same.

Lomu would prefer a Super 14 contract for 2006 but would need a special exemption from the New Zealand Rugby Union to qualify given his lack of action in the southern hemisphere spring.

Thus a move to Europe has emerged as an appealing option for Lomu, who is expected to make a decision by the end of September.

I'll only be up there for a short stint and then back to play NPC, he explained. I will feel real comfortable there.