Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones says he “deeply regretted” his behaviour after being suspended for four matches and fined by the Japanese Rugby Football Union for abusing match officials during an under-23 tour of Australia last month.
The Japanese Rugby Football Union (JRFU) has reduced Jones’ lucrative salary and handed down a six-week suspension over what it described as “verbal abuse directed at local match officials”.
The 66-year-old will miss Japan’s opening Test of the upcoming Nations Championship tournament against Italy on July 4.
Jones will also be barred from involvement in two matches against Hong Kong on May 22 and 29, as well as a Japan XV fixture against the Maori All Blacks on June 27.
Jones’ return to coaching duties will come on Australian soil when Japan face Ireland in a Test in Newcastle on July 11.
In a statement provided by the JRFU, Jones said: “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.
“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 resigned as Wallabies coach after Australia’s disastrous 2023 World Cup campaign, where they were knocked out in the pool stages for the first time.
It followed this masthead’s revelation during the tournament that Jones took part in a secret interview with JRFU officials on the eve of the World Cup despite having four years remaining on his Rugby Australia contract.
Jones was reappointed as Japan coach in late 2023 and has enjoyed mixed results since returning to the role.
Japan’s under-23 side played four matches during their Australian tour, including fixtures against Australia A and Jones’ former club side, Randwick, at Coogee Oval. The incidents involving match officials took place in Kempsey and Coffs Harbour.
More to come
Tom Decent is the chief sports writer for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.From our partners
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