Yamaha Jubilo’s scheduled friendly against Toulon next month has been canceled, the match’s organizers announced Wednesday.
Yamaha, Japan fullback Ayumu Goromaru’s old side, was supposed to play his new team from the French Top 14 on July 30 at Shizuoka Stadium, but organizers could not reach agreements with Toulon players and the French Rugby Federation over the match.
“It’s really disappointing it turned out this way,” Yamaha manager Katsuyuki Kiyomiya said in a statement. “I think the fans in Japan are feeling the same. I hope there’ll be another opportunity.”
A farewell ceremony has been planned for the 30-year-old Goromaru, who had played for Yamaha since 2008. Yamaha terminated his employment contract after his move to France was confirmed and has since hired him as an adviser.
Goromaru hurt his shoulder while playing for the Reds in Super Rugby last month and was set to miss the game.
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