The 36-year-old retired star told the New Zealand Women’s Weekly magazine he is hunting for a new donor to provide a replacement for his failed kidney. In the meantime, he faces seven-hour dialysis treatments three times a week, he is highly susceptible to infections and he has lost 30 kilograms (66 pounds) since he appeared in the opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup last September.

Lomu’s international rugby ended in 2002 after 63 test matches, largely due to ill health. He developed nephrotic syndrome, a degenerative kidney disorder, and in 2004 received a transplanted kidney donated by New Zealand radio personality Grant Kereama.