Saimoni Vunilagi, a 26-year-old Fijian rugby player, has died from suspected heatstroke after a training session in Japan, his club Kyuden Voltex announced on Friday.
Club statement
Kyuden Voltex, who compete in the second tier of Japan's rugby union league, expressed their devastation. The club said Vunilagi was taken to hospital on Monday after showing symptoms consistent with severe heatstroke following team practice.
Despite the medical team's efforts, he passed away. The statement added that players, staff, and associates are devastated by the sudden news.
Tribute and background
Vunilagi, a student in Japan, had joined Kyushu KV last month after moving from Tokyo Sungoliath. Japan Rugby League One also offered condolences, and a minute's silence was observed before Saturday's Japan-Australia match.
His former Suntory Sungoliath teammates Kanji Shimokawa and Naoto Saito played in that fixture under Eddie Jones.
Heatwave context
Fukuoka temperatures reached 35C on Monday, with parts of Japan seeing 40C recently. According to the fire and disaster management agency, nearly 18,600 people were hospitalised with heatstroke between July 20 and 26, with 45 pronounced dead on arrival.
