Tragedy in rugby: Saimoni Vunilagi dies at 26 from heat stroke

The Fijian Saimoni Vunilagiplayer of the Kyushu EP Kyuden Voltexa Japanese Second Division rugby team, has died after suffering severe heat stroke, the Japanese club reported this Saturday.

As stated in his announcement, Vunilagi, 26, died in a Fukuoka hospital on Friday, where he was admitted last Monday after presenting “symptoms compatible with severe heat stroke” after training.

“He was taken to a medical center for treatment, but despite the efforts of the medical team, he unfortunately passed away,” says Kyushu KV, which points out that “the players, the coaching staff and all members of the team are devastated by this sudden news.”

“Although Saimoni had recently joined Kyushu KV, his generosity and powerful playing style had generated high expectations about his contribution in the upcoming season,” notes the club, which sends its “deepest condolences to his little family” and asks that “in these moments of deep pain” “the family’s privacy be respected.”

Vunilagi graduated from Daito Bunka Universitysigned for Tokyo Sungoliath in 2023 and joined Kyushu Voltex last month.