Fijian rugby player Saimoni Vunilagi has died of suspected heatstroke after a training session, his Japanese club Kyuden Voltex announced. The 26-year-old back rower was taken to hospital and died on Friday, 7 August.
Kyuden Voltex, a Japanese second division team based in Fukuoka, stated that Vunilagi displayed symptoms consistent with severe heatstroke after team practice on Monday, 3 August 2026. He was transported to a medical facility, but passed away despite medical efforts.
Temperatures in Fukuoka, a southern city, have reached 35C this week. Vunilagi had joined Kyuden Voltex last month, having previously played for Japan Rugby League One side Tokyo Sungoliath.