Japan’s ‘manga hero’ Goromaru living the dream at Rugby World Cup

Japanese rugby pin-up Ayumu Goromaru could easily be a manga comic hero and now his reputation has been reinforced by his all-action 24 points in the Brave Blossoms’ historic Rugby World Cup win over South Africa.

Global fame has come late to the 29-year-old fullback, who has spent as much time in the wilderness as he has done donning the red and white stripes of the national team.

“Goro” as he is fondly known by team-mates stands out as a man apart from his comrades, 100 kilos of meaty muscle and 1.85 metres in height.

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But even that formidable physique was sent crashing to the turf early in Saturday’s match as he ran into an immoveable rock of a Springboks defender as he ran towards the touchline.

“He is the cornerstone of our team,” said prop Hiroshi Yamashita.

It was Goromaru who kept Japan in the match as he tucked over penalties at regular intervals, never allowing the Springboks to relax and think they had killed off the game.

“He is a lad who we can place a lot of confidence in,” said wing Kenki Fukuoka.

“He scores numerous penalties, all of them even. And that gives us a lot of courage.”