Ayumu Goromaru hangs up his boots
- 1939
Iconic Japanese fullback Ayumu Goromaru has come to the end of his career.
The 35 year-old’s club, Yamaha Jubilo, were defeated on Saturday by Kubota Spears in the second round of the Japanese Top League play-offs, brining their season to an end. While Goromaru was not actually playing, indications were that him hanging up his boots would coincide with the conclusion of the current season.
“After all this time playing rugby, I’m facing the end,” Goromaru said. The fullback racked up 57 appearances for Japan. “I have some regrets, but I want to use those as motivation in the next phase of my life.”
Perhaps the main jewel in the crown of Goromaru’s career was his country’s defeat of the mighty Springboks in the 2015 World Cup – a game in which Goromaru scored a total of 24 points.
A brave and skilful player, he will be remembered as one of Japan’s greats.
Japan legend Ayumu Goromaru has played his final professional game 🇯🇵
5️⃣7️⃣ Test caps 🧢
7️⃣7️⃣1️⃣ Points 🎯
✅ Japan’s all time points scorer 🔥
Enjoy retirement @Goro_15 🙌 pic.twitter.com/wqx2E92lZt
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) April 24, 2021
