Drug scandal prompts league shutdown

THE arrest of a New Zealand player for reported illegal drug use has led to Japan rugby chiefs suspending their Top League competition for the remainder of the month.

Former Crusaders, Canterbury and Southland lock Joel Everson, 30, who plays for the Hino Red Dolphins, was arrested last week for allegedly using cocaine, Japan’s Kyodo News reported.

The arrest led the Red Dolphins to cancel all the remaining matches in their season.

In a statement on their website, the club wrote its “apologies for scandals by our members”.

“A member of the Hino Motors Rugby Club (team name: Hino Red Dolphins) was arrested on March 4 for allegedly using illegal drugs.

“We deeply apologise for being arrested for a serious violation of law.

“In addition, we deeply apologise to the fans who support Hino Red Dolphins on a daily basis, and to the many stakeholders who support us, for causing great inconvenience.”

They would “cooperate fully with the police investigation”, the club wrote.

The Top League in the Far East has never had a higher profile with a number of stellar players and coaches moving to the land of the rising sun following the 2019 Rugby World Cup in the country.

Former All Blacks skipper Kieran Read is plying his trade for Toyota Verblitz and they also have ex-New Zealand coach Steve Hansen as their overseeing director of rugby.

The Wild Knights count South African World Cup winner Damian de Allande, New Zealand lock Sam Whitelock and Wallabies star David Pocock among their playing staff.