In a cheeky nod to football antics, Japan's head coach Eddie Jones humorously remarked that he might need to find a "laundry basket" to dodge his touchline ban during the Nations Championship opener against Italy. The ban comes after Jones was disciplined for verbally abusing an official during a tour in Australia with the Japan Under-23 team. The coach has been handed a four-match suspension and a salary cut by the Japan Rugby Football Union.
While discussing the situation with a sense of humor, Jones referenced Jose Mourinho's infamous escapade where the then Chelsea manager hid in a laundry basket to breach a touchline ban. "He went into the dressing room in a laundry basket, so I’m looking for a laundry basket," Jones quipped, swiftly adding, "I'm only joking."
"I love the game of rugby, so I do feel very disappointed in my own behaviour that I’ve brought the game into this area where we have to discuss it at a press conference,"
Jones expressed his disappointment and regret over the incident. He initiated his press conference with a prepared apology, indicating his remorse over his actions and the shadow they cast on the sport he adores. Despite his jest about the laundry basket, the tone was somber as he acknowledged his mistake and emphasized his dedication to moving forward and learning from this experience.
During his suspension, which ran from April 24 to June 5, Jones engaged in community coaching in Singapore, seeking to give back to the game during his enforced hiatus from professional coaching duties. Although the suspension barred him from rugby activities and attending matches in Japan’s domestic league, it did not prevent him from coaching at Japan’s training camp. However, he will not be allowed inside the stadium for the crucial game against Italy on July 4.
Jones is set to make his coaching return in a high-stakes match when Japan faces Ireland in Newcastle, Australia, a week after the Italy game. Until then, the seasoned coach will have to content himself with contributing from behind the scenes and preparing his team without being physically present on the game day.
The incident and subsequent ban have certainly stirred the pot in the rugby world, but Jones's commitment to rectification and contribution to the sport remains evident as he navigates through the repercussions of his actions.