TOULON’S CAPTURE OF Ayumu Goromaru is much more than just a marketing stunt, says club president Mourad Boudjellal.
Goromaru was a star performer in Japan’s memorable Rugby World Cup campaign last year and his signing was announced by the Top 14 club on 8 June.
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And the Toulon president was quick to make clear that the full-back has not only been signed in an attempt to boost the club’s profile in Asia.
“There is certainly a window to Asia, but we do not have the means to pay only for a showcase,” said Boudjellal when Goromaru was presented to the media today.
“The player’s qualities have been taken into account — he was signed for his quality as a player and scorer. I hope he will be the first Japanese player to win a major title in Europe.”
Goromaru confessed the prospect of adapting to a new country is daunting, but believes the chance to represent a prestigious club will be worthwhile.
“Toulon is a club of champions who have won many titles in recent years,” he said. “It is a difficult choice because there will be competition and a change of country, but I think it will be worth it.
“It is a great honour that a club like Toulon is interested in me. There is no equivalent team elsewhere in the world.”
Toulon face Racing 92 in the Top 14 final at Camp Nou on Friday.
Toulon president Boudjellal insists Goromaru signing is not a marketing stunt
TOULON’S CAPTURE OF Ayumu Goromaru is much more than just a marketing stunt, says club president Mourad Boudjellal.
Goromaru was a star performer in Japan’s memorable Rugby World Cup campaign last year and his signing was announced by the Top 14 club on 8 June.
And the Toulon president was quick to make clear that the full-back has not only been signed in an attempt to boost the club’s profile in Asia.
“There is certainly a window to Asia, but we do not have the means to pay only for a showcase,” said Boudjellal when Goromaru was presented to the media today.
“The player’s qualities have been taken into account — he was signed for his quality as a player and scorer. I hope he will be the first Japanese player to win a major title in Europe.”
Goromaru confessed the prospect of adapting to a new country is daunting, but believes the chance to represent a prestigious club will be worthwhile.
“Toulon is a club of champions who have won many titles in recent years,” he said. “It is a difficult choice because there will be competition and a change of country, but I think it will be worth it.
“It is a great honour that a club like Toulon is interested in me. There is no equivalent team elsewhere in the world.”
Toulon face Racing 92 in the Top 14 final at Camp Nou on Friday.
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Ayumu Goromaru eastern promise Rugby Union Top 14 Toulon