A Fijian rugby player in Japan has died after being rushed to the hospital with signs of severe heatstroke. His team, Kyushu KV, announced the sad news on Saturday.
Saimoni Vunilagi, who was 26 years old, was taken to the hospital in Fukuoka after a team training session on Monday. He passed away on Friday morning.
On the day of the training, temperatures reached as high as 35 degrees Celsius in Fukuoka.
Vunilagi was a back row forward, standing 196 cm tall and weighing 117 kg. He went to university in Japan and started his professional career in 2023.
“The players, staff, and all team associates are devastated by this sudden news,” the club said in a statement.
“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.”
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