Ex-NRL star Blake Ferguson arrested in Japan for alleged cocaine possession

Former NRL star Blake Ferguson has been arrested on allegations of cocaine possession in Japan just as he was beginning a new career in rugby union.

MACKAY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 18: Blake Ferguson of the Eels watches on during the warm-up before the NRL Semifinal match between the Penrith Panthers and the Parramatta Eels at BB Print Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Mackay, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

Former NRL star Blake Ferguson has been arrested on allegations of cocaine possession in Japan just as he was beginning a new career in rugby union.

Several reports from Japanese media emerged overnight that Ferguson, who joined the NEC Green Rockets in the Japan Top League, had allegedly punched a man at a restaurant.

The report adds that Ferguson was taken to the Azabu police station, with a subsequent police search of Ferguson’s belongings then allegedly revealing cocaine.

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Former Australia rugby league international Blake Ferguson - currently playing in Japan for @nec_gr_official - arrested for possession of cocaine.

Allegedly punched someone at restaurant and drug was found on him in police search.https://t.co/Y325Muy2oR

— Rich Freeman (@FreemanrugbyJPN) January 1, 2022

“Blake Ferguson, a contract player belonging to NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu, was arrested on December 30 on suspicion of possessing illegal drugs,” the club said in a statement.

“We deeply apologise for causing a great deal of concern and inconvenience to everyone involved.

“Our team fully cooperates with the police investigation and strives to understand the situation.”

Blake Ferguson wanted to create a new legacy in the rugby union arena. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The 31-year old had called time on his NRL career at the end of last season after a 249-game career that saw him play for the Sharks, Raiders, Roosters and Eels.

The off-contract Ferguson was not re-signed by Parramatta, seeing him weigh up other options, with a switch to rugby union and possible Wallabies debut an appealing next move.

“I’m at that point in my career where I’m looking for opportunities,” Ferguson said on Triple M’s Rush Hour last year.

“I feel like I’ve achieved everything, I don’t really have to achieve too much more in the NRL.

“Rugby is something that I do want to try, I played it as a schoolkid... it would be good to try and switch codes and try and create a legacy in that arena.”

Originally published as Ex-NRL star Blake Ferguson arrested in Japan for alleged cocaine possession