Japan rugby union suspend Eddie Jones for abusing match officials
The Japanese Rugby Football Union has suspended head coach Eddie Jones for four matches and reduced his salary after he verbally abused match officials.
The former England and Australia boss received the sanction following incidents that occurred during an Under-23 tour to Australia in April.
He has also been handed a comprehensive six-week ban from all rugby activities.
Nations Championship absence
The suspension means the 66-year-old will miss the beginning of Japan’s Nations Championship campaign.
That block of four international fixtures begins with a clash against Italy in Tokyo on 4 July.
The veteran Australian coach issued a formal apology after the disciplinary measures were confirmed.
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.
I deeply regret my behaviour and words and will make every effort to ensure that this doesn’t happen again.
Eddie Jones
World Cup preparations disrupted
This disciplinary action serves as a significant setback as the Asian nation prepares for the upcoming Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Their squad have been drawn in Pool E for the global tournament alongside France, the United States and Samoa.
The experienced manager returned for a second spell in charge of the team at the start of 2024.
He previously masterminded their historic upset victory over South Africa at the 2015 tournament.
Following that success, the highly-regarded tactician spent a lengthy tenure with England, guiding them to the 2019 World Cup final.