Japan ban head coach Eddie Jones for four games after ‘verbal abuse’ on Australia tour

Japan have suspended their head coach, Eddie Jones, for four games and cut his salary for “verbal abuse directed at local officials” during a tour in Australia. Jones will miss Japan’s Nations Championship opener against Italy on 4 July, the fourth game of his ban.

The Japan Rugby Football Union said the 66-year-old Australian violated their ethics and disciplinary regulations during a Japan Under-23 tour in April. “These measures relate to incidences of verbal abuse directed at local match officials,” it said.

“I accept the disciplinary action of the JRFU relating to the U23 Japan national team tour of Australia,” Jones said. “Some inappropriate remarks that I made caused discomfort to local match officials and other related parties.

“I would like to offer my sincere apologies to everyone involved. I deeply regret my behaviour and words and will make every effort to ensure that this doesn’t happen again.”

Jones will not be allowed to take any part in two games pitting a Japan select team against Hong Kong on 22 and 29 May. He is also banned from the Japan XV game against the Māori All Blacks on 27 June and Japan’s Nations Championship opener in Tokyo.

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