Lomu back in the game

The former All-black is thrilled to be joining French third division side Marseille Vitrolles and wants to turn them into one of the country's top clubs.

Jonah Lomu says that he wants to provide France's second city with a top-flight rugby club. Marseille Vitrolles are currently in the third tier of French rugby.

MARSEILLES // Jonah Lomu is thrilled to be joining French third division side Marseille Vitrolles and wants to turn them into one of the country's top clubs. Marseille confirmed today they were on the point of finalising a deal with the former All Black winger, one of the sport's greatest ever players, who has been out of the game for over year. And Lomu hopes that, together with fellow new boys Alain Hyardet, Isitolo Maka, Julian Vulakoro and David Gerard, he can help turn Marseille into a force to be reckoned with. "Marseille is the second city in France," he told the club's website. "It should have a great rugby club. "Now the club are giving itself means to fulfil their ambitions.

"Promotion to Pro D2 is the priority for the club this year. It's this challenge that pleased me. "The signings they have made show the club's desire to succeed and I want to be part of this adventure. "My experience can help the club grow. I want to pass on what rugby has given to me not only to my teammates but also to the club's youngsters. "My ambition? Help Marseille become one of the great French clubs." Many though that Lomu had retired in 2007 but the 34-year-old, who has 63 caps for New Zealand, claims that thought never crossed his mind. "I never quit rugby," he added. "I decided to take a sabbatical year to be there during my partner's pregnancy, to experience this moment which is so important in a man's life. "Everyone thought that I had stopped my career, but it was a mistake. "I always feel the need to play and only I will decide when it will be the end."

*PA Sport