Rugby: Japan star becomes 'Master of Ninjas'

Japanese rugby star Ayumu Goromaru after being certified 'Master of Ninjas'. Photo / Getty

Japan rugby star Ayumu Goromaru has just become a more frightening prospect on the rugby field - he is now a certified 'Master of Ninjas'.

The Japan Ninja Council decided to award the 29-year-old full-back, who took the World Cup by storm and will play for the Queensland Reds in next season's Super Rugby competition starting in Febraury, this high status after seeing his signature pose before striking a kick.

Goromaru, who notched 58 points in the pool stage as Japan enjoyed their most successful tournament ever, clasps his hands together and wiggles his fingers as he prepares for a shot at goal.

And the fullback was given the Ninja award by a nationwide organisation promoting the culture of the ancient spies.

'I'm glad to be awarded the title of ninja at a time when Japanese rugby players are earning attention from overseas,' he said. 'I'd like to transform my body so I can move quickly like a ninja and compete on the world stage.'

Ninjas are famous for carrying out espionage, sabotage and assassinations - the latter not quite suitable on the rugby fields of today.

But Japan may need Goromaru's other Ninja skills come next year, as they face Scotland in a two match series as the sport continues to grow in the nation that will host the next World Cup in 2019.

Goromaru has become their pin-up boy. So much so that a life-size bronze statue was made of the player to decorate Tokyo's Christmas illuminations this month.

Another bizarre tribute came in November when a Hamamatsu zoo named a newly-born giraffe after their newest star.

At the time a zoo representative said of the decision: 'We want the animal to grow soundly into a strong adult like Mr Goromaru.'

Now a Ninja master with a giraffe sidekick, rugby players of the world better watch out - they may be more to Goromaru than just a fine right-footed conversion.

-Daily Mail