Japan have suspended their head coach, Eddie Jones, for four games and reduced his salary following an incident of verbal abuse directed at local officials during a tour in Australia. The 66-year-old Australian will miss Japan's Nations Championship opener against Italy on 4 July, which will be the fourth game of his ban.
Details of the Suspension
The Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) announced that Jones violated their ethics and disciplinary regulations during a Japan Under-23 tour in April. The JRFU stated, 'These measures relate to incidences of verbal abuse directed at local match officials.'
Jones will not be allowed to participate in any capacity in two matches between a Japan select team and Hong Kong on 22 and 29 May. He is also banned from the Japan XV game against the Māori All Blacks on 27 June and Japan's Nations Championship opener in Tokyo.
Jones' Apology
In response to the disciplinary action, Jones said, 'I accept the disciplinary action of the JRFU relating to the U23 Japan national team tour of Australia. Some inappropriate remarks that I made caused discomfort to local match officials and other related parties.'
He added, 'I would like to offer my sincere apologies to everyone involved. I deeply regret my behaviour and words and will make every effort to ensure that this doesn’t happen again.'
The suspension underscores the JRFU's commitment to maintaining ethical standards and respect for match officials. Jones, who has a long history in rugby coaching, will now serve his ban and work to rebuild trust with the rugby community.
