Saimoni Vunilagi, a 26-year-old Fijian rugby player, died Friday after collapsing at a training session in Fukuoka, Japan. His team, Kyushu Electric Power Kyuden Voltex, announced his death on Saturday.
According to a report by the Associated Press, Vunilagi fell ill on Monday following a team practice session. He was hospitalized immediately and died four days later.
"After team practice on Monday ... Saimoni displayed symptoms consistent with severe heatstroke," the club 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."
Temperatures in Fukuoka reached approximately 35 degrees Celsius, or 95 degrees Fahrenheit, on the day Vunilagi collapsed. Fukuoka is a city in southwestern Japan. Kyushu KV competes in Japan's second division.
Vunilagi had only recently joined the club. Before signing with Kyushu KV last month, he played in the Japanese top flight with Tokyo Sungoliath. The team said his arrival had generated strong expectations for the upcoming season.
"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," the club said.
The back rower's death sent shock through the organization. "The players, staff, and all team associates are devastated by this sudden news," the team said. The club provided no additional details about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The team closed its statement with a message to Vunilagi's family. "We humbly pray for the repose of his soul and extend our heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family."
