Jonah Lomu, the world's most charismatic rugby player, is set to return to the game less than a year after his kidney transplant.

The 29-year-old wing is expected to sign a contract to play in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship.

He will join North Harbour in the championship's first division, reviving a career thought ended when he had transplant surgery last July.

Three other provincial teams, Wellington, Counties Manukau and Auckland, are believed to have been in competition for his signature.