Lomu, 31, told the Herald on Sunday newspaper that his failure to win a contract to play in next year's Super 14 had ended his campaign to force his way into New Zealand's World Cup squad, two years after a kidney transplant.

``I'd be lying if I said I'm not disappointed about not getting a Super 14 contract,'' Lomu said. ``But I have had a go. I would have been more disappointed if I didn't have a go.''

``I didn't want to ask myself in 10 years, what if?''

Lomu's desire to play for New Zealand at the World Cup in France drove him to make a comeback to top rugby after his kidney transplant, against most medical advice.

Many doctors doubted a kidney transplant recipient could reach the level of fitness necessary to play professional rugby and others counselled against the attempt, fearing the consequences for Lomu of returning to a physical contact sport.

Lomu remained determined, in defiance of that opinion, to prove he could add to the last of his 73 All Blacks appearances in 2002.

After playing in a benefit match for former England captain Martin Johnson in June 2005, he won a contract with the Welsh club Cardiff. Both ventures ended with injuries, but he returned to New Zealand and signed to play with North Harbour in the National Provincial Championship.

Lomu has started only one match this season and his appearances off the bench have been brief and largely ineffective. He was recently demoted to North Harbour's second XV, giving up his last hope of attracting the interest of a Super 14 franchise.

Lomu said he had been able to accept his gradual relegation from top-line status because of his love of the game.

``It is tough being on the sidelines but I believe you have to be there to support the team, otherwise you are no good to them,'' he said. ``But I'm not bigger than the game, no one is. When you are playing rugby, you have to remember it's a team game.''

``To come from where I was to where I am today is an achievement in itself. People will ask why I didn't take the easy option and retire but it's just not in my nature to do that.''

Lomu said he had no regrets over the course his career had taken before or after he contracted the rare illness, nephritis, which led to renal failure and his kidney transplant.

``If I had my time over again, I wouldn't do anything differently,'' he said. ``I wouldn't even change the kidney illness. It has made me a better person.''

``I don't feel I've let anyone down. I've given it my all. It's been a failure in the sense I didn't make the All Blacks but I certainly didn't fail myself.''

``I dared to dream. Who can criticize me for that?''