Japan suspends Eddie Jones for four matches over official abuse
Head coach accepts disciplinary action and issues apology as salary is reduced amid six-week ban covering key international fixtures.
The Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) has suspended head coach Eddie Jones for four games and reduced his salary following incidents of verbal abuse directed at local match officials. The disciplinary measures were announced on Wednesday, confirming that the 66-year-old Australian violated the organisation’s ethics and disciplinary regulations.
The misconduct occurred during a Japan Under-23 team tour of Australia between April 1 and 15. The JRFU stated in a formal declaration that the sanctions relate specifically to inappropriate remarks made towards local match officials and other related parties during this period.
Jones has accepted the disciplinary action and issued a public apology. In a statement, he acknowledged the JRFU’s decision and expressed regret for causing discomfort to those involved. He stated he would make every effort to ensure such behaviour does not recur.
The suspension imposes a six-week ban on Jones’ coaching duties, effective from April 24 to June 5. During this period, he is barred from participating in two select team games against Hong Kong on May 22 and 29, as well as the Japan XV match against the Maori All Blacks in Nagoya on June 27.
The ban also extends to the senior national team’s upcoming schedule, preventing Jones from leading the side in the Nations Championship opener against Italy in Tokyo on July 4. The JRFU has not disclosed the specific amount of the salary reduction in its statement.
