Former Japan fullback Ayumu Goromaru, who starred for the Brave Blossoms at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, will retire after the upcoming Top League season, his club Yamaha Jubilo said Wednesday.
Goromaru rocketed to stardom after scoring 24 points for Japan in their famous 34-32 victory over South Africa, dubbed the Miracle of Brighton, at the 2015 World Cup in England.
The 34-year-old, who earned 57 caps for Japan and had spells in Australia and France with the Reds and Toulon, respectively, will hold a press conference next Wednesday.
A native of Fukuoka Prefecture, Goromaru joined Yamaha out of university rugby powerhouse Waseda.
He made his test debut while still a student at Waseda in a 24-18 loss to Uruguay in Montevideo.
His goal kicking and steadiness under the high ball made him an indispensable member of the Eddie Jones-coached side who raised rugby's profile to new heights in Japan at the 2015 tournament, where only bonus points kept them from the quarterfinals.
His trademark goal-kicking ritual -- clasping his hands together while lining up his kick -- became a media talking point and was mimicked by young fans.
After missing selection for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, Goromaru provided expert commentary for television coverage of the tournament.
The 2021 Japan Rugby Top League season is scheduled to kick off Jan. 16 and conclude in May. It will be the final season before the launch of a new professional competition the following year.
A source familiar with the matter said Goromaru had chosen to announce his retirement ahead of the season because of uncertainty stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, which prompted the league to cancel the final 42 matches of its 2019-20 season.
Related coverage:
Rugby: Foreign-born players uniting Brave Blossoms at World Cup
Rugby: Japan's miracle in Brighton to be turned into movie
Rugby: Suntory's late heroics ruin Goromaru's return to Tokyo
