Goromaru makes history in Japan

Japan’s most iconic rugby player can now claim to be the most prolific in its domestic league.

Yamaha Jubilo Ayumu Goromaru has broken the record for the most points scored in the history of the Japanese Top League.

According to the Japan Times Goromaru overtook Suntory Sungoliath center Ryan Nicholas as the most prolific scorer in the league’s history as he kicked five conversions and a penalty goal in his side’s 43-3 win over the Coca-Cola Red Sparks.

Goromaru made his debut in 2008 and has scored 1,195 points.

Congratulations to Ayumu Goromaru (@Goro_15) who kicked 5 cons & 1 pen in Yamaha's 43-3 win over Coca-Cola today to overtake Ryan Nicholas (1,188 pts) as #TopLeague's most prolific scorer

Goro – who made his debut in 2008 – now has 1,195 points to his name#?????????? pic.twitter.com/PfcJfPEPxF

— Rich Freeman (@FreemanrugbyJPN) September 1, 2018

The legend of the game who came to international fame during the 2015 Rugby World Cup, returned to Japan last year, after a lacklustre stint at Toulon.

He has also enjoyed a stint at the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby, although his time in that competition was cut short by injury.

Goromaru enjoys a cult following back in Japan, where life-size statues of the player are sculpted, zoo animals are named after him and he has even been made a “ninja master”.

He can also lay claim to be the best-paid rugby player on the planet, if you include the massive sponsorship deals he has individually struck in his homeland.

Despite his celebrity status, when departing Toulon club President Mourad Boudjellal stated: “We don’t want him either,” the outspoken businessman told RMC Sport. “We won’t be keeping him, he doesn’t want to stay.”