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London - All Blacks cult hero Sione Lauaki will travel to London this week to consult a specialist after tests in France indicated he is suffering from renal failure and cardiovascular problems.
According to the stuff.co.nz website, the giant loose forward, who now plays for top French side Bayonne, has been ordered not to play or train for the rest of this season because of concerns for his health.
"I have seen specialists in Bayonne and Bordeaux, and after having consulted with each other and the Bayonne team doctor, we agreed it was important to get another medical opinion," Lauaki, 30, told French newspaper L'Equipe.
"What has happened to me is disappointing. I've never had these types of problems before but that's life - and it's necessary for me to look after myself."
News of the 17-Test All Blacks' health shock has reached the New Zealand rugby community and friends are offering their support.
Sonny Bill Williams recently tweeted to Lauaki: "Just heard the news, God willing it isn't that bad brother, much love big man."
Lauaki had a routine biological assessment for the Bayonne club at the end of last month. The health concerns were detected in the test.
After consulting a nephrologist (kidney specialist) and a cardiologist (heart expert) in Bayonne, and then after a visit to French Rugby League's cardiologist based in Bordeaux, Lauaki ended his season to start medical treatment.
In response to waves of support for the 1.94m, 120kg blockbusting loosie, Lauaki tweeted: "Thanks to everyone for the tweets and support, I'm good so no need to panic, life is good even the part that's not."
According to the stuff.co.nz website, the giant loose forward, who now plays for top French side Bayonne, has been ordered not to play or train for the rest of this season because of concerns for his health.
"I have seen specialists in Bayonne and Bordeaux, and after having consulted with each other and the Bayonne team doctor, we agreed it was important to get another medical opinion," Lauaki, 30, told French newspaper L'Equipe.
"What has happened to me is disappointing. I've never had these types of problems before but that's life - and it's necessary for me to look after myself."
News of the 17-Test All Blacks' health shock has reached the New Zealand rugby community and friends are offering their support.
Sonny Bill Williams recently tweeted to Lauaki: "Just heard the news, God willing it isn't that bad brother, much love big man."
Lauaki had a routine biological assessment for the Bayonne club at the end of last month. The health concerns were detected in the test.
After consulting a nephrologist (kidney specialist) and a cardiologist (heart expert) in Bayonne, and then after a visit to French Rugby League's cardiologist based in Bordeaux, Lauaki ended his season to start medical treatment.
In response to waves of support for the 1.94m, 120kg blockbusting loosie, Lauaki tweeted: "Thanks to everyone for the tweets and support, I'm good so no need to panic, life is good even the part that's not."
