The Queensland Reds have denied reports star Japanese recruit Ayumu Goromaru has already committed to leaving the Super Rugby franchise at the end of the season to join French club Toulon.
A spokesperson for the Queensland Rugby Union said overnight claims from French TV station Canal Plus that Goromaru has agreed to a one-year contract with the reigning European champions were “not true”.
The 29-year-old shot to fame during last year’s World Cup and became a Japanese cult hero for spearheading the national team’s incredible run at the tournament, which included a shock win over South Africa.