Former international fullback Ayumu Goromaru, one of the stars of Japan¡¯s 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign, said Monday he had ¡°no regrets¡± and ¡°felt refreshed¡± following his retirement from the sport.
Speaking at his retirement press conference, the 35-year-old indicated he will stay involved with rugby in a management role for Yamaha Jubilo, having ended his playing career with the club after its exit from the Japan Top League playoffs in April.
¡°I¡¯d like to take an active role on the management side, not necessarily in coaching,¡± said Goromaru, who earned 57 caps for the Brave Blossoms.
Goromaru shot to stardom after scoring 24 points for Eddie Jones¡¯ Japan side in their famous 34-32 victory over South Africa at the 2015 World Cup in England, a match dubbed the ¡°Miracle of Brighton.¡±
He played just four Top League games this past season and had his playoff campaign cut short by injury.
Known for his customary goal-kicking ritual, with his index fingers clasped together, the telegenic Goromaru played a major role in raising the profile of rugby in Japan before the country hosted the World Cup in 2019.
After being left out of Jamie Joseph¡¯s squad for the 2019 World Cup, he provided analysis for TV broadcasts during the tournament.
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