Rugby convert Blake Ferguson yet to leave Japan jail almost a month after 'drugs arrest'

Efforts to bring Blake Ferguson back to Australia have thus far proved unsuccessful as the former National Rugby League (NRL) star remains locked in a Japanese jail almost a month after he was arrested in Tokyo.

It’s alleged Ferguson, 31, was found to be in possession of cocaine following his arrest on December 30, when he reportedly beat a fellow patron while at a restaurant in Minato City, a popular nightclub district in Japan’s capital.

The incident occurred on the eve of the new Japan Rugby League One campaign, in which former Parramatta Eels talisman Ferguson was set to make his rugby union debut with Green Rockets Tokatsu.

However, the arrest led to the termination of his contract before he had a chance to play a minute of competitive rugby, leading to doubts as to whether any union outfit will take him on.

Fox Sports reported Ferguson’s management team are hard at work attempting to get the New South Walian home, but he remains behind bars more than three weeks following his arrest.

Green Rockets Tokatsu were swift in their decision to release Ferguson but accepted some responsibility for his actions: “NEC Corporation would like to express its deepest apologies for the arrest of Blake Ferguson, a former contracted player of NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu, a rugby team operated by NEC Corporation, on December 30, 2021, on suspicion of possession of illegal drugs, a serious violation of the law.

“It must be said that the efforts to inform newly contracted players of the situation were insufficient, and we solemnly acknowledge that this situation has come to pass.

“We plan to take disciplinary action against the director in charge of sports business promotion and team executives after appropriate measures are implemented.”

It was even suggested the club would be forced to withdraw from the new Rugby League One campaign—at least for the 2022 season—as a result of Ferguson’s controversy.

Japanese authorities take a no-tolerance approach when it comes to drug charges, as fans witnessed when New Zealander Joel Everson was arrested on suspicion of cocaine use in March 2020.

The Southland lock tested positive and was sentenced to 23 days in prison, while Japan suspended all rugby for three weeks, and the Hino Red Dolphins—his employers at the time—cancelled their remaining fixtures that season.

Ferguson has now spent roughly the same amount of time behind bars, although there’s been little information regarding his treatment and the conditions of his detainment.

Drug possession charges in Japan can carry a maximum of up to five years in prison, but it’s possible that sentence could be suspended and the player deported back to his native Australia.

Despite the situation, Ferguson would appear to have a potential lifeline amid rumours of an NRL comeback.

The Sack Report alleged the Newcastle Knights were interested in signing the utility back, only for Dane Gagai and other members of the staff to speak out against his recruitment.

That may not prove to be the last of his hopes for a rugby league return, however, with expansion outfit the Redcliffe Dolphins also rumoured to be interested ahead of them joining the NRL in 2023.