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Sunday, November 14, 1999 Published at 04:06 GMT

Sport: Rugby Union

Lomu staying with All Blacks

Jonah Lomu: Still believes the All Blacks are the best team in the world

Jonah Lomu has ended speculation that he could be coming to play in England by signing a new two-year contract with the New Zealand Rugby Football Union.

The giant winger - Rugby World Cup's leading try-scorer - has turned down several highly lucrative offers from union and league clubs to continue his All Black career.

Smaller offer

Following the end of negotiations, Lomu returned to Auckland on Saturday.

His manager, Phil Kingsley-Jones, refused to disclose how much the NZRFU offer was worth, but said that it was not as much as that made by the Wakefield Wildcats Super League franchise.

The 24-year-old had also been approached by Allied Dunbar Premiership sides Bristol, London Irish and Worcester, as well as rugby league's Leeds Rhinos and Auckland Warriors.

Speaking about his decision, Lomu said: "If it was for money I wouldn't be in New Zealand.

"I still believe the All Blacks are the best side in the world."

World Cup favourites New Zealand crashed to a shock 43-31 semi-final defeat to France earlier in November.

Lomu now intends to move to Wellington, where his girlfriend lives. It has been rumoured that he could transfer from the Chiefs Super 12 side to play for Wellington, but no decision has yet been taken.