Eddie Jones has been suspended from coaching Japan during its rugby union Test match against Italy in July after “incidences of verbal abuse” during a recent tour of Australia.
The Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) announced the disciplinary measures late on Wednesday after it found the Australian had breached the union’s ethics and disciplinary regulations.
The JRFU said Jones had engaged in verbal abuse towards match officials during the national under-23 team’s tour of Australia last month.
Jones is banned from taking any part in two matches between Japan Select and Hong Kong China Select, a clash between Japan XV and the Māori All Blacks, and the July 4 Test match between Japan and Italy.
Jones will also be taking a pay cut, the JRFU said in a statement.
“In light of the seriousness of this matter, the JRFU has already decided, based on the contract with him, to impose a salary reduction on him and to suspend him from his duties as head coach of the Japan national team for six weeks [from April 24 to June 5],” the JRFU said.
In a statement, Jones said he accepted the sanctions against him by the union, and apologised for his conduct during the tour of Australia.
“Some inappropriate remarks that I made caused discomfort to local match officials and other related parties,” Jones said.
“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.”
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