TOKYO - Japan Rugby League One announced Saturday that Saimoni Vunilagi, a Fijian-born forward for second-division club Kyuden Voltex, died after being hospitalized with symptoms of heatstroke.
The 26-year-old died Friday at a hospital in Fukuoka, where the team is based, having fallen ill four days earlier following training.
"After team practice on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, Saimoni displayed symptoms consistent with severe heatstroke," the team said in a statement.
"He was transported to a medical facility for treatment, but despite the best efforts of the medical team, he sadly passed away. The players, staff, and all team associates are devastated by this sudden news."
Vunilagi joined Tokyo Sungoliath out of Daito Bunka University in 2023. His move to Voltex was announced just last month.
Fukuoka and nearby parts of southwestern Japan have recently experienced extreme heat, prompting authorities to issue severe heatstroke warnings.
