Fijian rugby player Saimoni Vunilagi has died at the age of 26 after suffering suspected heatstroke during a training session in Japan.

His club, Kyushu Electric Power Kyuden Voltex (Kyushu KV), confirmed Vunilagi fell ill following training on Monday and was rushed to hospital, where he died on Friday despite receiving medical treatment.

The Japanese second-division club paid tribute to the back-rower, who had joined the team last month, describing him as a talented player whose “generous spirit and powerful style of play” had already made a lasting impression.

Vunilagi’s death comes as Japan continues to experience an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 35 degrees Celsius in parts of the country.