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Ex-Eel Blake Ferguson facing drug charges in Japan

A restaurant altercation has led to Australian rugby league ex-international Blake Ferguson’s arrest in Japan on charges of possessing illegal drugs.

Tokyo police were called to a restaurant in the Roppongi area of capital on Thursday after 31-year-old Ferguson clashed with another patron.

The winger, who left the Parramatta Eels at the end of the 2021 NRL season to try his hand in Japanese club rugby union, was taken into custody and searched at Azabu police station, where he was allegedly found to be carrying a quantity of contraband drugs.

Japanese media have identified the alleged stash as cocaine.

The 31-year-old, who won a premiership with the Roosters in 2018, signed with NEC Green Rockets, where former Wallabies mentor Michael Cheika is coaching director.

Future up in the air

The club’s domestic season in the newly-renamed League One begins on January 8 against the Yokohama Canon Eagles.

But, following the arrest and given that drugs possession is viewed seriously in Japan, Ferguson’s future in the 15-man game is now in severe doubt.

The Green Rockets confirmed they were aware of Ferguson’s arrest in a statement and said they were assisting police with their inquiries.

“Blake Ferguson, a contract player belonging to NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu, was arrested on December 30 on suspicion of possessing illegal drugs,” the club said.

“We deeply apologise for causing a great deal of concern and inconvenience to everyone involved.

“Our team fully cooperates with the police investigation and strives to understand the situation.”

-AAP

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