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Tokyo - Japan fullback Ayumu Goromaru said on Monday he was not overawed about duking it out with the hulking Southern Hemisphere players in Super Rugby after being unveiled by Reds.
The 29-year-old shot to fame after helping Japan win three games at last year's Rugby World Cup, including an astonishing 34-32 upset of two-time champions South Africa. He insisted he was ready for the step-up in class.
"It's my first time in Super Rugby but I hope to be able to bring something to the Reds," Goromaru told a news conference in Brisbane, according to Japanese media reports.
"The level of speed and power in Super Rugby is different so I'm looking forward to testing myself.
"It will be a very proud moment for me to pull on the Reds jersey," added Goromaru, who has become something of a celebrity in Japan since the World Cup. "Hopefully the Reds fans will get behind me."
Goromaru credited former Japan coach Eddie Jones, who has since taken up the England job, for his decision to move to Australia instead of opting to join new Tokyo-based franchise the Sunwolves.
The Reds play the Brumbies in a tune-up on Friday before the start of the Super Rugby season later this month.
Goromaru is one of six Japan players to sign for clubs in Australia or New Zealand for the 2016 campaign, including national captain Michael Leitch (Chiefs), Male Sa'u (Blues) and Hendrik Tui, who will line up alongside Goromaru in Queensland.
