Eddie Jones Faces Suspension and Salary Cut for Verbal Misconduct

Japan's head coach, Eddie Jones, will serve a six-week suspension and face a salary reduction following verbal abuse towards match officials during an Under-23 tour in Australia. The disciplinary action runs from April 24 to June 5, impacting upcoming matches, including Japan's Nations Championship opener against Italy.

In a recent turn of events, Japan's rugby head coach Eddie Jones has been sanctioned with a six-week suspension alongside a salary reduction. The punitive measures follow instances of verbal abuse directed at match officials during Japan's Under-23 tour in Australia, as announced by the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) on Wednesday.

The 66-year-old Jones, a seasoned coach with previous tenures leading England and Australia, will be prohibited from attending or participating in four matches. Notably, this includes Japan’s Nations Championship opener against Italy in Tokyo, scheduled for July 4.

Expressing remorse, Jones stated, “I made some inappropriate remarks that caused discomfort to local match officials and other related parties.” He has committed to avoiding such conduct in the future. Jones, who resumed his role as Japan's head coach in January 2024, had earlier helmed the Brave Blossoms from 2012 to 2015.