Saimoni Vunilagi: Rugby Player Dies After Training Session at 26
- Fijian forward Saimoni Vunilagi, 26, was hospitalised after falling seriously ill following a training session with Japanese club Kyuden Voltex
- Fukuoka recorded temperatures of around 35°C during the week of the incident, with the club confirming Vunilagi developed severe heatstroke symptoms
- Kyuden Voltex confirmed the player's death on 7 August, describing the loss as devastating and requesting privacy for his family
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Fijian rugby player Saimoni Vunilagi has died after developing severe heatstroke symptoms following a training session with Japanese second-division club Kyuden Voltex. He was 26 years old.
Kyuden Voltex confirmed that Vunilagi fell critically ill after training on Monday, 3 August 2026, and was rushed to hospital immediately. Despite receiving medical treatment, the back-row forward passed away on Friday, 7 August.
Extreme heat in Fukuoka
The club is based in Fukuoka, where temperatures climbed to approximately 35°C during the week of the incident.
In an official statement, Kyuden Voltex said Vunilagi exhibited symptoms consistent with severe heatstroke shortly after the session ended and was transported to a medical facility without delay.
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The club described his death as devastating, noting that players, coaches and staff had been profoundly affected by the sudden loss of their teammate.
A player who had just arrived
Vunilagi had joined Kyuden Voltex only the previous month, having previously played in the top tier of Japan Rugby League One with Tokyo Sungoliath. Standing at 1.96 metres and weighing roughly 117 kilograms, the powerful forward had built his professional career in Japan after studying there, turning professional in 2023.
Despite his brief time at the club, Kyuden Voltex said he had already left a strong impression. The club praised his generous character and physical style of play, and noted that considerable expectations had surrounded his potential contribution to their forthcoming campaign.
Japan Rugby League One also released a statement expressing its sadness at the news, extending condolences to Vunilagi's family, teammates and all those who knew him personally.
Kyuden Voltex has appealed to the public to respect the privacy of Vunilagi's family as they grieve their loss.
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Source: Briefly News
