'Apologetic' Rockets issue a follow-up Ferguson sacking statement

The arrest and subsequent sacking of Blake Ferguson by Green Rockets has sent his Japanese rugby club into damage control. The former NRL star was arrested on suspicion of possessing illegal drugs, with local media reporting the police were called to a Tokyo restaurant after 31-year-old was involved in an altercation with another patron.

The NEC Green Rockets, where former Wallabies mentor Michael Cheika is coaching director, initially issued a brief statement revealing that the contract for Ferguson had been terminated.

A far broader offering was then released by the club, confirming after consideration their participation in their Top League January 8 opener. “With the intention of restoring trust through full play and fulfilling our responsibilities for sports promotion and regional revitalisation, including rugby,” the statement continued.

Joyeux Noel & The European Dilemma | Le French Rugby Podcast | Episode 11

Benji’s back to tell us about his try-scoring exploits in Dubai, Johnnie’s navigated travel chaos to make it home for Christmas and we look back on a weekend where politics played its part and Castres were the only French side in action in the Champions Cup. We assess whether the whole of Round 2 should have been postponed as the Top 14 sides wanted, whether there’s going to be an asterisk by the name of the winner once more and what’s next for European rugby this season. Plus, there’s some hot coaching gossip and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week…
Use the code FRENCHPOD10 at checkout for 10% off any full price item at Meater.com

Joyeux Noel & The European Dilemma | Le French Rugby Podcast | Episode 11

Benji’s back to tell us about his try-scoring exploits in Dubai, Johnnie’s navigated travel chaos to make it home for Christmas and we look back on a weekend where politics played its part and Castres were the only French side in action in the Champions Cup. We assess whether the whole of Round 2 should have been postponed as the Top 14 sides wanted, whether there’s going to be an asterisk by the name of the winner once more and what’s next for European rugby this season. Plus, there’s some hot coaching gossip and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week…
Use the code FRENCHPOD10 at checkout for 10% off any full price item at Meater.com

The “deeply apologetic” club took responsibility for Ferguson’s actions, stating they would conduct a widespread staffing restructure to ensure there was no repeat.

The club will also donate a portion of the proceeds from home games this year to combat the eradication of illegal drugs in the league. All players were drug tested and made to take a pledge after compliance measures were reiterated.

“We sincerely apologise for the great concern and inconvenience caused to everyone involved at the very important time that the start of Japan Rugby League One is imminent, and that it has greatly betrayed the expectations of everyone who supports and supports the team on a daily basis,” the statement read. “We will work together as a team to earnestly strive to restore your trust as soon as possible.”

New Zealander Joel Everson served 23 days in a Japanese prison in 2020 after testing positive for the use of cocaine while playing for Hino Red Dolphins.

In a mark of how seriously rugby officials took the matter, all matches in the-then Top League were susp ended for three weeks after Everson’s arrest and the Red Dolphins cancelled all their remaining fixtures for the season.