Blake Ferguson arrested in Japan over alleged drug possession

Former NRL player Blake Ferguson has been arrested in Tokyo on drugs charges, his club says.

The NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu rugby union club issued a statement on its website, naming Ferguson as having been arrested on December 30 on suspicion of possessing illegal drugs.

«Blake Ferguson, a contract player belonging to NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu, was arrested on December 30 on suspicion of possessing illegal drugs,» the statement read.

«We deeply apologise for causing a great deal of concern and inconvenience to everyone involved.

»Our team fully cooperates with the police investigation and strives to understand the situation."

Ferguson, 31, played 249 NRL games for the Cronulla Sharks, Canberra Raiders, Sydney Roosters and, most recently, the Parramatta Eels.

He played seven times for the Kangaroos, scoring six tries and made nine try-less appearances for New South Wales in State of Origin.

He was released by the Eels at the end of last season, leading him to pursue a career in the 15-man code.

Ferguson was signed by Japan Rugby League One side, NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu, in November.

The League One season, Japan's top-flight rugby union competition, is due to begin next weekend.

Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is the club's director of rugby.