A blood clot on the lung has been identified as the probable cause of Jonah Lomu’s death after a long-haul flight.

The All Blacks great passed away suddenly in Auckland last Wednesday, having made the journey back to New Zealand from the UK.

Former All Blacks doctor John Mayhew, who helped treat Lomu's rare kidney disease, explained that it was a ‘tragic complication that can occur in people with chronic renal conditions’.

‘He returned from the UK via Dubai and appeared to be in good health before he died. We think the most likely cause was a clot on the lung, which can be a complication of long-distance travel. Jonah was at greater risk of that happening because of his renal condition.

‘I think it was instantaneous. He was unaware of what had happened,’ he added.

A public memorial service for Lomu will be held at Eden Park in Auckland on 30 November, and will be followed by a private funeral the next day.

Photo: Gabriel Bouys/AFP Photo