The league held a press conference after a player who belonged to NEC of the new league league one of rugby was arrested by the police on suspicion of possessing cocaine, and after apologizing by Managing Director Tokai Hayashi, all players in the future It was clarified that we will proceed with measures such as conducting drug tests for the target.
At NEC of Rugby League One, on December 30, last year, Blake Ferguson, a player from Australia, was arrested by the Police Agency on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Control Law for possessing cocaine in Tokyo.
NEC has canceled the player contract on the 2nd of this month.
Following the arrest, League One Managing Director Tokaibayashi held a press conference in Tokyo with Kensuke Iwabuchi, Managing Director of the Japan Rugby Football Union, on the 4th. I would like to deeply regret and apologize to everyone again. "
After that, he explained future measures and revealed that from the 5th, about 1200 athletes belonging to the league will be tested with saliva.
In addition, we will establish a committee to improve soundness, develop irregular drug tests, formulate behavioral guidelines, and promote efforts for drug eradication such as regular training once every two months. ..
In the rugby world, drug problems have been occurring one after another since 2019, including the time of the top league, the predecessor of League One, and Managing Director Tokaibayashi said, "This is the third time, so I think that we should take it seriously and regret it. We will do it thoroughly. "
Mr. Iwabuchi, Managing Director of the Japan Rugby Union, said, "It's not a problem for League One, but a big problem for the Japanese rugby world. I want to work to restore trust as soon as possible."
NEC also apologized “Confirmed that the team was not involved”
NEC also held a press conference at the same venue as the League One press conference, and five people including team executives and players attended.
Ken Kajiwara apologized, "We deeply apologize for the fact that this happened at a very important time before the opening of League One and that we greatly disappointed the expectations of our fans and sponsors."
After the incident, the lawyer also interviewed 74 players and staff in the presence of the team, and as a result, it was confirmed that the team was not involved.
Kajiwara recalled that Ferguson, who signed a contract last September, had not been able to conduct a detailed background check at the time of acquisition. I want to take measures. "
Regarding the first match of this season scheduled for the 8th of this month in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture, "We believe that we can only fulfill our social responsibilities in the competition of rugby. I would like to work diligently so that everyone's trust can be restored as soon as possible. "
Captain Sunao Takizawa said, "I was shocked when I heard the incident. I have mixed feelings about participating in the league match, but I want to regain my trust as much as possible through future play, daily activities, and social contributions. I was talking.