Fijian rugby player Saimoni Vunilagi has died in Japan after suspected heatstroke following a Kyuden Voltex training session. His death highlights the risks athletes face when training in extreme heat, with temperatures in Fukuoka reaching 35C this week.

The 26-year-old forward developed symptoms of severe heatstroke after practice on 3 August and died in hospital on Friday, 7 August, his club said. Vunilagi had joined second-division side Kyuden Voltex in July after playing for Tokyo Sungoliath, having begun his professional career in Japan in 2023.