Rugby: Japanese rugby team apologise after drunk player run over by car

Takuma Asahara was run over by a car during a big night out in Tokyo. Photo / Getty

Japanese rugby international Takuma Asahara has been labelled a lucky man after a drunk night out turned terrifying.

After joining his Toshiba Brave Lupus teammates for dinner in Tokyo on Sunday night, Asahara had a little too much to drink.

The Japan Times reported that the drunk prop then lay down in the street before he was run over by a car and pinned under the vehicle.

Some of Asahara's teammates, including Japan national team captain Michael Leitch, then had to lift the car to pull the 31-year-old out to safety.

Asahara, who has competed for Super Rugby's Sunwolves since 2016, suffered only minor injuries.

The team have since issued a statement on Asahara's behalf after the Japan Rugby Football Union had on Monday announced he would not be attending a training camp due to an unspecified injury.

"We are extremely sorry that we have caused trouble to various people including the driver. We will ensure that such an incident will not happen again."

Reason for Takuma Asahara missing Japan camp

He was drunk & asleep in the road and was hit by a car. Fortunately no serious damage - except perhaps to his reputation.#Toshiba players including Michael Leitch lifted car off the prop. #BraveBlossoms #Japan #rugbyunited pic.twitter.com/Rhsy0yCH66

— Rich Freeman (@FreemanrugbyJPN) September 25, 2018