A Fijian rugby player has died from suspected severe heatstroke following a training session in Japan, according to his club. Saimoni Vunilagi, 26, was taken to hospital with symptoms consistent with heatstroke and later passed away, his team confirmed. The incident occurred during a training session in Fukuoka, Japan, as reported by local media.

The Japanese rugby club Kyuden Voltex expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, calling it a “devastating” loss. The club stated that Vunilagi’s condition was “symptoms consistent with severe heatstroke” when he was hospitalized. Multiple sources, including local and international outlets, have reported the same details about the cause of death and the location of the incident.

Vunilagi was part of a Japanese professional team and had been playing for the club for some time. His death has raised concerns about heat-related illnesses in sports, particularly in warmer climates. The club has not yet released further details about the circumstances leading to his collapse. (nst.com.my)

(Independent.ie)

Sources
  • nst.com.my — Rugby player in Japan dies of suspected severe heatstroke
  • Irish Independent — Fijian forward Saimoni Vunilagi dies aged 26 from suspected heatstroke in Japan
  • winnipegfreepress.com — Fijian rugby player Saimoni Vunilagi, 26, dies after suspected heatstroke at training in Japan
  • Punch Newspapers — Rugby player dies after training, Japan club confirms
  • Notebookcheck — Keep Mario and Pokémon out of it: Japan asks US government to stop political posts