Rugby star aged 26 dies after coaching session as devastated assertion launched
A rugby union star has died of suspected heatstroke at the age of 26, with his club confirming the devastating news
A rugby player has died at 26(Image: Rob Browne)
Saimoni Vunilagi has died at the age of 26 through suspected heatstroke.
A ‘devastated’ Kyuden Voltex, who play in the Japanese League’s second tier of rugby union, shared the heart-shattering news on Friday morning.
Vunilagi, who hailed from Fiji, was taken to hospital on Monday following a team training session.
A statement from Kyuden Voltex read: “After team practice on Monday, August 3, 2026, Saimoni displayed symptoms consistent with severe heatstroke.
“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.
“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.
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“We humbly pray for the repose of his soul and extend our heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.”
Vunilagi, who was a student in Japan, joined the team last month after moving on from Tokyo Sungoliath.
Japan Rugby League One shared a statement of their own in tribute to the late athlete.
It read: “We express our heartfelt condolences upon receiving the news of the passing of Saimoni.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and all those involved.”
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A minute’s silence was observed in tribute to Vunilagi ahead of Saturday’s clash between Japan and Australia.
In the fixture, two of Vunilagi’s former Suntory Sungoliath team-mates in Kanji Shimokawa and Naoto Saito featured under Eddie Jones.
Temperatures in Fukuoka reached as high as 35C on Monday, according to Aljazeera, who say that parts of the country has also seen highs of 40C in recent weeks.
As per the fire and disaster management agency, almost 18.600 were hospitalised with heatstroke between July 20 and July 26 – 45 of whom were pronounced dead on arrival.
