Japan full-back Ayumu Goromaru heading for Queensland Reds
Wednesday 4 November 2015 09:56, UK
Japan full-back Ayumu Goromaru has snubbed his country's new Super Rugby team, the Sunwolves, and signed for the Queensland Reds for next season.
Goromaru impressed in the World Cup and scored 24 points, including a superb late try, when the Brave Blossoms beat South Africa in Brighton in the biggest upset in the history of the tournament.
The 29-year-old also displayed excellent defensive skills with a brilliant try-saving tackle on Scotland winger Tommy Seymour in Japan's second match and scored 58 points in four matches during the World Cup.
"I have followed the Queensland Reds for many years and am looking forward to joining the squad and meeting my new team mates," Goromaru said.
"Following my experiences at the Rugby World Cup, I'm looking forward to the chance of proving myself at Super Rugby level."
The Sunwolves would have been hoping the former Yamaha Jubilo player would have taken that chance with the Tokyo and Singapore-based team in their debut season in 2016.
Japanese Rugby Union chairman Tatsuzo Yabe said in April that the Sunwolves would be comprised mainly of Japan players and the team's chief executive Yuichi Uen said last month the capture of World Cup heroes like Goromaru was a top priority.
Less than four months before their maiden fixture, however, the Sunwolves do not yet have a head coach or any publicly disclosed players.
Japan captain Michael Leitch has already committed to return to New Zealand's Waikato Chiefs, while scrum-half Fumiaki Tanaka will remain with the Otago Highlanders for their title defence.
