Goromaru's Toulon move confirmed
The French giants, ending weeks of speculation about the move, made the announcement on its website and through social media on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old back is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury he picked up playing Super Rugby for the Reds, ironically against Japan's Sunwolves in Brisbane last month.
That ruled him out of the rest of the season and Japan's two-Test series against touring Scotland.
Goromaru shot to stardom after he kicked 24 points in the Brave Blossoms' 34-32 stunning upset win over South Africa at the World Cup last year.
The fullback, who is known for his distinctive goal-kicking stance, has a huge following in Japan.
Toulon, France's wealthiest club, said that Goromaru had signed a one-year contract to play for them with an option of one-year extension.
"He is an excellent player and an excellent kicker," said club owner Mourad Boudjellal.
"He is joining us to become the first Japanese player to win a major title in Europe and to work with Jonny Wilkinson who will train him to get ready for the World Cup in Japan."
Toulon are into the semifinals of the Top-14 and will play either Montpellier or Castres on June 18 for a place in the Final.
Goromaru was capped 56 times with his national team and scored 708 points.
He played most of his club rugby at Jubilo in Japan, before joining the Reds for the 2016 season – on a two-year contract.
However, Toulon – it appears – have agreed to the Queensland franchise's 'transfer fee'.
According to the Toulon release he will be present at the Top 14 semifinal next Saturday (June 18), when Toulon play Montpellier or Castres, and will be presented to the media at a press conference in Toulon on June 21.
C'est officiel Ayumu Goromaru @Goro_15 #Goromaru s'est engagé pour 1 an avec le @RCTofficiel https://t.co/pLfCnfvBe7 pic.twitter.com/KeHi2eIgHm
— RCT – RC Toulon (@RCTofficiel) June 8, 2016
