The sheer enormity of Ayumu Goromaru’s fame is still yet to dawn on an unsuspecting Brisbane public, according to his Queensland Reds and Japan Test teammate Hendrik Tui.
Reds players, however, are slowly beginning to get the full picture of Goromaru’s “out of this world” fame following the Super Rugby franchise’s fan day at Ballymore on Sunday.
Tui summed it up best, telling AAP: “It’s supposed to be the Reds fan day but it should be called Goromaru day.”
Hundreds of members of Brisbane’s relatively modest Japanese expat community came out of the woodwork, queueing up in scorching heat for the chance to meet and take a photo with their country’s World Cup hero.
There were also a handful of Japanese TV crews, curious to hear how the fullback is adjusting to life in Australia and progressing as he prepares to test himself in overseas club rugby for the first time.
“Some of the boys are really surprised at how many fans he’s got here,” Tui told AAP.
“It’s out of this world how famous he is.
“We didn’t really get to experience it all until we went back to Japan after the World Cup. It was huge.
“Everyone was just screaming for Goru, happy for the team’s success at the World Cup. It’s been crazy ever since.”
Tui said Goromaru’s presence, and the media circus that looks set to follow him all season long, would be a “refreshing” experience for a rebuilding Reds side on course for a rough 2016, on the basis of their poor trial match form.
“It’s different, I guess. The spotlight’s all on him, the other boys can concentrate on their footy,” he said.
Tui has been helping Goromaru settle in at Ballymore, and is the perfect man to do so as a Japanese speaker and with 12 months of experience in the Reds program to fall back on.
The 28-year-old blindside flanker was plagued by injury last year, but the No.6 jersey appears his to lose after Lolo Fakaosilea’s hamstring injury on Friday night against the Brumbies opened up a back-row position.
“I’m just ready to contribute. If there is an opportunity to start I’m going to do my best to cement my spot,” Tui said.
“I think we struggle a bit in the ball-carrying area in our gameplan. I love to run the ball, so I’m just going to carry as much as I can in the games and lead the boys in that way.”
Marto
Guest
Agree PeterK... As Henrik Tui said, “I think we struggle a bit in the ball-carrying area in our gameplan. I love to run the ball, so I’m just going to carry as much as I can in the games and lead the boys in that way.” Lolo Korcyk Tui have more talent and definatly run the ball harder than Jake Schatz ...
Ken
Guest
Oh noooooo Hanmstring injury to LOLO, that means JAKE " Look at me goong backwards on roller skates " SCHATZ will be number 8..
Ken
Guest
Ben Lucas ?? Come on!! The bloke was always injured
wardad
Guest
Having Goromaru seems to be paying off already ,I hope he enjoys his time here with the Reds maybe he can spark a win against those evil Tahs......
Redderthankevin
Guest
Mate I think a good number of Reds would look good in the wallabies. As for coaches nick stiles would be a good addition as an assistant. He has a good resume with overseas stints and he won the NRC twice as head coach. If you think, what I think your thinking about the Reds squad being coached by Reds staff at wallaby level, then that sir is tosh.
PeterK
Roar Guru
tosh we both know the wallabies should consist of the reds team and have the same coaching staff. Then the wallabies (i.e.) reds would win everything
PeterK
Roar Guru
experience is gained and technique can be taught, attitude and natures gifts cannot
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Yeah he is one loosie with promise coming through. Fills a real void we have in Aus rugby too. Potentially could have the physicality of Timani and Vaea but greater speed and mobility.
RubberLegs
Guest
Lolo needs to learn to play smarter. He injured his right shoulder in the first minutes of the Crusaders game - aggression without accuracy.
redderthankevin
Guest
I don't know about that pal, that might be a wee bit of a stretch. Undefeated might be very unlikely even. I like your enthusiasm but I wouldn't put my sheep station on it. I think with a good bit of Queensland hard work and team work we should give it a good shake though. Richard Graham although a bit unpopular in other parts of Australia has a good bit f experience and I believe will pull the boys together.
PeterK
Roar Guru
With the talent in players and coaches that the reds have they should walk it in and win the title undefeated. If they don't it is a conspiracy by the ARU and favouritism towards the tahs and refs told to make sure the reds lose that will stop them. Isn't that right redderthankevin?
Redderthankevin
Guest
Not really adding much to the debate there cynical. I stand by my statement. He will get a lot out of his time in Queensland. The Reds will keep him grounded and results will come this season.
PeterK
Roar Guru
I really hope Lolo Fakaosilea’s injury is minor. I was looking forward to him playing, especially in regards to wallabies need to powerful big ball carriers either at 6 or 8.
Cynical Play
Guest
Takes quite an ego to spout that crap RTK. Get off the juice mate, it's causing brain damage. Oh yeah , god luck with that 'wins' prediction. Enjoy the spoon
Goro-mania you mean
riddler
Guest
be nice to have a goal kicker of international standard for a change.. good luck to the lad.. hope he enjoys his time in super rugby..
Bakkies
Guest
Apparently he has just signed with Toulon for the next two seasons.
RubberLegs
Guest
After watching the Friday night game I hope they recognise that Goro should do all the penalty kicks and kick exits from the 22. He is a class above any kicker the Reds have had since Latham left. And, how soon can the Reds get Ben Lucas back?
Not Bothered
Guest
Whatever.