17 AYUMU GOROMARU

TOULON & JAPAN FULL-BACK

NEW ENTRY

Ask a room full of people in Japan if they know that the Rugby World Cup will be held in the country in 2019 and a third, maybe half, will put their hand up. Ask them if they know who Ayumu Goromaru is and most, if not all, hands will be in the air.

It’s funny how things change. This time last year few people outside Japanese rugby circles would have heard of the full-back; now he’s one of the country’s most recognisable sportsmen. That’s what a World Cup can do.

At RWC 2015, Goromaru’s goalkicking helped Japan to a record three wins from four, including that famous 34-32 victory over South Africa in which a try also featured in his 24-point haul, and he quickly became the team’s poster boy.

His style from the tee – reminiscent of Jonny Wilkinson – has inspired children across Japan to replicate it, he’s had a newborn giraffe named after him and a life-size bronze statue of the star was included in Tokyo’s Christmas illuminations display.

As well as raising the profile of the sport in Japan – crucial as the country builds towards a home World Cup – he’s become one of the game’s most bankable players. Big commercial deals with the likes of Asahi beer and Citizen watches have come his way – and clubs have spotted his marketing value too.

When he joined the Reds for this year’s Super Rugby season, the franchise put together a bespoke package for Goromaru fans featuring signature merchandise. The Queensland team also benefited from a surge in Japanese supporters and coverage by Asian media.

Now he’s preparing for a first season of Top 14 rugby having signed a one-year deal with Toulon, already home to many a world star. Some reports have claimed his commercial deals coupled with his playing contract now make him the highest-paid rugby player in the world!

See Uncovered on P128.