TOKYO – A 26-year-old rugby player for a second-division Japanese team has died after suffering from heatstroke. Saimoni Vunilagi, a Fijian-born forward for Kyuden Voltex, passed away on Friday at a hospital in Fukuoka, where the team is based.
According to Japan Rugby League One, Vunilagi fell ill on August 3, 2026, after a team practice, displaying symptoms consistent with severe heatstroke. He was immediately taken to a medical facility for treatment, but unfortunately, he did not recover despite the best efforts of the medical team.
The team released a statement expressing their devastation at the sudden news, stating that the players, staff, and all team associates are saddened by Vunilagi’s passing. Vunilagi had joined Kyuden Voltex just last month, after previously playing for Tokyo Sungoliath, which he joined in 2023 from Daito Bunka University.
The incident occurred amidst a period of extreme heat in Fukuoka and surrounding areas in southwestern Japan, prompting authorities to issue severe heatstroke warnings.
Article and image source: english.kyodonews.net
