Saimoni Vunilagi, a Fijian rugby player, has died of suspected heatstroke following a training session in Japan, his club announced.
Kyushu Kyuden Voltex, who play in Japan’s second division, stated that the 26-year-old back-rower was taken to hospital and died on Friday.
Temperatures in Fukuoka, where the club are based in the south of the country, have reached 35C this week.
“After team practice on Monday 3 August 2026, Saimoni displayed symptoms consistent with severe heatstroke. He was transported to a medical facility for treatment, but despite the best efforts of the medical team, he sadly passed away,” a team statement said. “The players, staff and all team associates are devastated by this sudden news.
“Although Saimoni had only recently joined Kyushu KV, his generous spirit and powerful style of play had raised high hopes for his contributions in the upcoming season. We humbly pray for the repose of his soul and extend our heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.
“At this time of profound grief, we respectfully ask the family be granted space and privacy.”
A minute’s silence to mark Vunilagi’s death was held before Japan’s 35-32 defeat by Australia on Saturday.
Two of Vunilagi’s former team-mates at Suntory Sungoliath, Kanji Shimokawa and Naoto Saito, started for Eddie Jones’s team.
Vunilagi had only recently joined Kyuden Voltex from Suntory having previously attended university in Japan. He started playing professionally in 2023.
A statement from Japan Rugby League One read: “We express our heartfelt condolences upon receiving the news of the passing of Saimoni. We offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and all those involved.”
Last year Japan experienced its hottest summer on record and this year parts of the country have experienced temperatures in excess of 40C. Close to 18,600 people were taken to hospital for heatstroke between July 20 and 26.