Eddie Jones handed ban by Japan RFU over official abuse

Japan head coach Eddie Jones has been suspended for six weeks and had his salary reduced after the Japanese Rugby Football Union found he verbally abused match officials during the national Under-23 side’s tour of Australia last month.

The sanction means Jones will miss four matches, including Japan’s Nations Championship opener against Italy.

Eddie Jones Suspended After Australia Tour Incident

The Japanese Rugby Football Union confirmed that Jones accepted the disciplinary decision following the incident during the Under-23 tour held from 1 April to 15 April.

The punishment runs from 24 April to 5 June and includes a salary reduction, although the exact figure has not been made public.

Jones admitted his comments were inappropriate and issued an apology, saying he regretted his words and actions and would work to ensure a similar incident does not happen again.

"I take this disciplinary action very seriously. At the U23 Japan national-team match held in Australia the other day, my inappropriate remarks caused discomfort to the local match officials and all those involved," said Jones.

"I apologise to everyone involved, and I deeply regret my words and actions.

"I will strive to ensure that such an incident does not happen again."

Japan Coach To Miss Four Matches

The six-week suspension will rule Jones out of four fixtures in total. The final game affected by the ban will be Japan’s Nations Championship opener against Italy in Tokyo on 4 July.

The suspension is a significant setback for Japan as preparations continue for an important international period, with Jones currently in his second spell as head coach of the Brave Blossoms.