Blake Ferguson went over to Japan with dreams of forging a career in rugby union, but the former NRL star is now facing criminal charges.
Blake Ferguson’s rugby union dreams are hanging by a thread following the termination of his Japanese rugby contract due to cocaine possession charges.
The premiership-winning NRL star had long spoken of pivoting into the 15-man game, and after leaving the Parramatta Eels at the end of the 2021 season, he signed a contract with NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu in the Japan Top League.
“Rugby is something that I do want to try, I played it as a school kid … it would be good to try and switch codes and try and create a legacy in that arena,” he told Triple M in September.
However, news that Ferguson was arrested in Tokyo last week for alleged possession of cocaine has led the 31-year-old’s new club to swiftly sever ties with him before he’s played a game.
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If convicted of the charges, Ferguson could be imprisoned in Japan for up to five years.
“Blake Ferguson, a contract player belonging to NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu, was arrested on December 30 on suspicion of possessing illegal drugs,” said a statement from NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu.
“We deeply apologise for causing a great deal of concern and inconvenience to everyone involved.
“Our team fully co-operates with the police investigation and strives to understand the situation.
“Regarding Ferguson, the player contract was cancelled on January 2nd.”
In his 249-game NRL career, Ferguson played for the Canberra Raiders, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Sydney Roosters and Parramatta Eels.
He was a member of the Roosters’ 2018 grand final-winning side and played for Australia, NSW and the Indigenous All Stars at representative level.