In a significant turn of events, Eddie Jones, the head coach of Japan's national rugby team, has been suspended for six weeks following a disciplinary breach. This decision comes after Jones was found to have verbally abused match officials during the Japan U23 team's tour in Australia last month. The Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) has also imposed a salary reduction on Jones as part of the disciplinary actions.
According to the JRFU, the incidents occurred between April 1 and 15, 2026, compelling them to act in accordance with their Ethics and Disciplinary Regulations. "The Japan Rugby Football Union hereby announces that disciplinary measures will be taken against Eddie Jones... These measures relate to incidences of verbal abuse directed at local match officials," stated a release from the JRFU.
The consequences for Jones are substantial; he will miss overseeing the team in four upcoming matches, including a notable July 4 clash against Italy in the Nations Championship. His suspension from all head coach duties will last until June 5.
"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,"
Jones expressed.
"I deeply regret my behaviour and words and will make every effort to ensure that this doesn’t happen again."
Despite the setback, Jones, who famously led Japan to a historic victory over South Africa in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, continues to have the support of the JRFU for his role in the upcoming 2027 World Cup. After a "detailed and robust review" at the end of 2025, the board reconfirmed their confidence in his leadership. "We confirmed that we will continue to support the current structure," chairman Kensuke Iwabuchi remarked, showing unwavering support for Jones and his coaching team as they prepare for the global tournament.
The games that Jones will be absent for include encounters against the Hong Kong China Select on May 22 and 29, a match against the M?ori All Blacks on June 27, and the aforementioned game against Italy on July 4.
While this chapter might be challenging for Jones and the Brave Blossoms, it also underscores the rigorous standards of conduct expected in the sport and the commitment to maintaining respect and integrity both on and off the field.
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In a significant turn of events, Eddie Jones, the head coach of Japan's national rugby team, has been suspended for six weeks following a disciplinary breach. This decision comes after Jones was found to have verbally abused match officials during the Japan U23 team's tour in Australia last month. The Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) has also imposed a salary reduction on Jones as part of the disciplinary actions.
According to the JRFU, the incidents occurred between April 1 and 15, 2026, compelling them to act in accordance with their Ethics and Disciplinary Regulations. "The Japan Rugby Football Union hereby announces that disciplinary measures will be taken against Eddie Jones... These measures relate to incidences of verbal abuse directed at local match officials," stated a release from the JRFU.
The consequences for Jones are substantial; he will miss overseeing the team in four upcoming matches, including a notable July 4 clash against Italy in the Nations Championship. His suspension from all head coach duties will last until June 5.
"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,"
Jones expressed."I deeply regret my behaviour and words and will make every effort to ensure that this doesn’t happen again."
Despite the setback, Jones, who famously led Japan to a historic victory over South Africa in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, continues to have the support of the JRFU for his role in the upcoming 2027 World Cup. After a "detailed and robust review" at the end of 2025, the board reconfirmed their confidence in his leadership. "We confirmed that we will continue to support the current structure," chairman Kensuke Iwabuchi remarked, showing unwavering support for Jones and his coaching team as they prepare for the global tournament.
The games that Jones will be absent for include encounters against the Hong Kong China Select on May 22 and 29, a match against the M?ori All Blacks on June 27, and the aforementioned game against Italy on July 4.
While this chapter might be challenging for Jones and the Brave Blossoms, it also underscores the rigorous standards of conduct expected in the sport and the commitment to maintaining respect and integrity both on and off the field.