Cardiff Blues recruit legend Lomu

Lomu has been sidelined for the New Zealand domestic season

Former All Blacks wing Jonah Lomu has signed a seven-month contract to play for the Cardiff Blues.

The Welsh region has registered the 30-year-old in their Heineken Cup squad and expect him to arrive mid-November.

The Blues will make an official announcement on Saturday ahead of their Powergen Cup match with Saracens.

Lomu, whose career was derailed by debilitating kidney problems, will stay at the Arms Park until the end of the British domestic season in May.

In terms of publicity this is one of the biggest scoops in Welsh rugby history From S Have your say on Scrum V

The wing is expected to make his competitive debut for the Blues at the beginning of December, possibly in the Powergen Cup match away to London Irish.

Lomu burst onto the world rugby scene during the 1995 World Cup in South Africa, but is bravely fighting his way back to top-flight rugby after undergoing a kidney transplant last year.

His hopes of playing for New Zealand provincial side North Harbour earlier this summer were dashed by a shoulder injury sustained during Martin Johnson's testimonial match at Twickenham.

I've got to get rugby and this is the only way I can do it, Jonah Lomu

Lomu, despite his huge career setbacks, has ambitions to regain an All Blacks place for the 2007 World Cup in France.

He had been in talks with at least two English Guinness Premiership clubs, but instead has opted for the other side of the Severn Bridge.

"We've exhausted all other avenues in New Zealand. I've got to get rugby in and this is the only way I can do it," he said.

"It is a big commitment but it also shows that I'm willing to go to those lengths to get to where I want to be.

"This is the only way I can do it. I'll play for seven months for the Cardiff Blues then come back here and play for North Harbour in the NPC."

The Blues also confirm that they have signed utility back Roger Warren from Leicester Tigers.