Blake Ferguson sacked by NEC Green Rockets after cocaine arrest, club drug tests football department

The Japanese rugby club that sacked Blake Ferguson has implemented an “emergency measure” for all players after the former NRL star was arrested for allegedly possessing cocaine.

The Japanese rugby club that sacked Blake Ferguson has taken the extraordinary step of drug testing their entire football department after the former NRL star was arrested for allegedly possessing cocaine.

Just a day after announcing they had terminated Ferguson’s contract, the NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu released a statement revealing their entire playing squad had been drug tested.

Ferguson has been in custody since December 30 and is facing numerous charges after he was allegedly found in possession of cocaine after punching a man in a Tokyo restaurant.

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“We deeply apologise for the arrest of Blake Ferguson, a former contract player of NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu, on December 30, 2021 for a serious violation of the law of possession of illegal drugs,” the statement said.

“We will continue to fully co-operate with police investigations. For former Ferguson players (SIC), the player contract was cancelled on January 2, 2022.

Blake Ferguson was meant to be making his first appearance for NEC Green Rockets this month. Picture: Instagram

“Until now, the team has been thoroughly observing compliance and calling attention on a daily basis, but as a result, it must be said that efforts such as disseminating and thoroughly disseminating to new contract players were insufficient, and this situation, we take it seriously.

“This time, as an emergency measure, we have already conducted drug tests by an external organisation on all the players and staff of the team, and confirmed that all the test results are negative.”

The NEC Green Rockets also announced a raft of measures that would be put in response to Ferguson’s shock arrest.

“After explaining compliance to all athletes in the presence of an outside lawyer, we conducted individual hearings and obtained a written oath,” the statement said.

“In the future, we will carry out regular drug tests and compliance training for all athletes, and conduct thorough background checks including drug tests when contracting new athletes.

“In addition to these measures, an investigation committee will be set up to propose final recurrence prevention measures based on this thorough analysis of the facts, and the measures will be summarised and announced in about one month.

Blake Ferguson has had his contract terminated by NEC Green Rockets. Picture: Instagram

“In addition, in order to clarify management responsibilities, we plan to dispose of sports business promotion officers and team executives after implementing appropriate measures.”

Under Japanese law, Ferguson could spend 23 days in isolation.

The Daily Telegraph has been told Ferguson is receiving legal assistance from both the NEC Green Rockets and the Australian Embassy. If prosecuted and convicted, Ferguson could be imprisoned in Japan for up to five years.

Ferguson’s future up in the air after cocaine arrest

-Todd Balym, Christy Doran

Blake Ferguson’s rugby union dream is over before it really began.

The former NRL star has been sacked by his Japanese rugby club just three days after he was arrested for allegedly possessing cocaine in Tokyo.

In a stunning and swift response to his alleged serious misdemeanour at a Tokyo restaurant on December 30, NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu immediately ended his rugby contract as he goes through the legal process in Japan.

The club had confirmed Ferguson, 31, had been arrested after a fight at a restaurant led to him being taken to the police station where he was searched and found in possession of an illegal substance.

The club has since updated its statement with a simple line: “[1/2 Postscript] Regarding Ferguson, the player contract was cancelled on January 2nd.”

Blake Ferguson played 249 NRL games. Picture: Getty Images

Japanese police can hold offenders for up to 23 days for drug offences.

Several rugby players have faced criminal charges in Japan in recent years for substance issues, with some handed suspended jail sentences.

Ferguson was meant to be making his first appearance for the club this month.

He now must work with Australian Embassy officials to clear his name and avoid a possible jail sentence in Japan.

Drug possession charges for substances such as cocaine can carry prison sentences of up to five years in Japan, though suspended sentences are also common.

The Top League was shut down for a month last year after a number of drug-related charges to players.

New Zealander Steve Yates was handed a suspended two-year prison sentence for possession cocaine and sacked by Toyota Verblitz. Another Verblitz player, Ryota Kabashima, also faced prison time.

Ferguson’s sacking will not go down well with former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, who is the club’s director of rugby. Cheika was instrumental in signing Ferguson as the club’s DOR.

Blake Ferguson’s career is in limbo after his arrest in Japan. Picture: NRL Photos

One former Australian representative also had to apologise on behalf of Cheika’s Wallabies during the 2019 World Cup for their behaviour.

That apology was separate to the blow-up between Cheika and former Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle at the Australian Embassy in Tokyo during the campaign.

Where Ferguson’s career continues is not yet known.

He will not get a contract in Australian rugby, but his best chance is to find a deal in the French Top 14 or PRO D2 competitions.

Ferguson played 249 NRL games across four clubs – Cronulla, Canberra, the Sydney Roosters and Parramatta.

Ferguson’s agent Sam Ayoub did not return calls.