A 26-year-old Fijian rugby player has died in Japan after suffering suspected heat stroke during training amid an intense nationwide heatwave.

Simonyi Vunilagi, a back-row forward with Fukuoka-based Kyushu Electric Power, was reportedly taken to hospital after developing symptoms consistent with severe heat stroke while training on Monday. He died on Friday morning.

His club said players, staff and associates were devastated by his sudden death.

The tragedy comes as Japan experiences extreme temperatures, with some areas recording temperatures above 40°C. Fukuoka recorded a high of 35°C on Monday.

According to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency, nearly 18,600 people were hospitalized for heat stroke between July 20 and 26, with 45 people pronounced dead on arrival.


Japan Heatwave Tragedy | Fijian Rugby Player Dies After Suspected Heat Stroke During Training

Typhoon Bavi continues to unleash destruction across East Asia, battering Japan's southern islands with powerful winds, torrential rain, and massive waves before heading toward China's Zhejiang province. The storm has forced widespread evacuations in Taiwan and China, disrupted flights and ferry services, and left thousands without electricity. In the Philippines, deadly landslides triggered by heavy rainfall have claimed lives, while weather agencies continue to warn of flooding, storm surges, and destructive winds across the region. Authorities remain on high alert as Typhoon Bavi approaches the Chinese coast.

Typhoon Bavi batters east asia | China braces for landfall after Japan, Taiwan hit hard | wion

Typhoon Bavi is leaving a trail of destruction across East Asia, bringing destructive winds, torrential rain, flooding and deadly landslides. The powerful storm has battered Japan's southern islands, forced the evacuation of more than 14,000 people in Taiwan, prompted China to issue an orange alert, and triggered deadly landslides in the Philippines, where at least 15 people have been killed.

Typhoon bavi wreaks havoc across east asia | Japan, Taiwan, China on alert | Typhoon bavi latest news

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Japan Heatwave Tragedy | Fijian Rugby Player Dies After Suspected Heat Stroke During Training

Typhoon Bavi batters east asia | China braces for landfall after Japan, Taiwan hit hard | wion

Typhoon bavi wreaks havoc across east asia | Japan, Taiwan, China on alert | Typhoon bavi latest news