A Fijian rugby player named Saimoni Vunilagi with a Japanese professional team has died on the morning of Friday, 7 August, 2026 after being taken to hospital with “symptoms consistent with severe heatstroke”, reports thegazellenews.com.
Vunilag, until his death, played for second-division side Kyushu KV.
Vunilagi’s Saimoni club, which confirmed his sad death on said Saturday, 8 August, 2026, said that 26-year-old Vunilagi was taken to hospital in the southern city of Fukuoka after a team practice on Monday, 3 August, 2026 and died on the morning of Friday, 7 August, 2026.
Temperatures reached a high of 35c in Fukuoka on Monday, 3 August, 2026.
Vunilagi, a back row forward who stood 196 cm and weighed 117 kg, attended university in Japan and began his professional career in 2023.
“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.” the club said in a statement.
