Blake Ferguson’s ill-fated decision to possess drugs while in Japan could lead to his former Japanese club to fold.
The former NRL star, 31, was sacked on January 2 just months after signing with the Green Rockets after being found with cocaine by police following an altercation.
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The domino effect of Ferguson’s actions could be lethal for several involving the club.
Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, who was announced as the director of rugby of the NEC Green Rockets last year and was a key driver in signing Ferguson, is under pressure to hold onto his job.
The Green Rockets issued a statement to confirm the new recruit had been sacked but there were real fears the club would have to fold as a result of the embarrassment caused to the game and country.
Japan has a “zero tolerance” attitude to drugs and drug charges can carry prison sentences of up to five years.
Australians working for the club in Japan have fears they may be out of a job because of the incident.
According to one Japanese source, the club has discussed folding at board level.
One coach in Japan said “traditional clubs and big companies would pull their team out of the competition”.
In recent years a number of rugby players have been handed suspended sentences, while the Top League competition was suspended in 2020 after Toyota Verblitz, who had just announced former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen as their director of rugby, had two players face similar charges.
The Green Rockets even took responsibility for not providing enough educational resources to prevent an incident from occurring.
“It must be said that the efforts to inform newly contracted players of the situation were insufficient, and we solemnly acknowledge that this situation has come to pass,” the statement continued.
“We plan to take disciplinary action against the director in charge of sports business promotion and team executives after appropriate measures are implemented.”
The Green Rockets will now donate a portion of all proceeds from all host games to the league’s effort to eradicate illegal drugs.
“We would like to express our sincere apologies for causing great concern and inconvenience to all concerned at this very important time, when the opening of Japan Rugby League One is just around the corner, and for greatly disappointing the expectations of all those who have supported and helped the team on a regular basis,” the statement read.
“I would like to express my sincere apologies again. The entire team will make a concerted effort to regain your trust as soon as possible.”
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