'I deeply regret my behaviour': Eddie Jones suspended by Japan

Eddie Jones has been suspended from his duties as Japan head coach for six weeks after he verbally abused local match officials during a recent tour of Australia.

The Japan Rugby Football Union have made the decision in accordance with their ethics and disciplinary regulations following an incident during Japan U23’s four-match tour of Australia in April.

On top of the suspension, Jones’ salary has been reduced and he has been barred from taking any part in the next four matches for the national team.

Those four matches are Japan Select v Hong Kong China Select on May 22, Japan Select v Hong Kong China Select on May 29, Japan XV v Maori All Blacks on June 27 and the Brave Blossoms’ opening match of the Nations Championship against Italy on July 4.

The former England boss will return to the helm on a matchday for Japan’s clash with Ireland on July 11 in Australia before overseeing their home Test against France the following week. He will be eligible to resume his head coaching duties from June 5.

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“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.”

Japan U23 returned from their two-week tour of Australia with three wins from four, only losing to Australia U20 in Coffs Harbour.

The three victories came against Fiji U20, Stockman Rugby and the club Jones made over 200 appearances for as a player, Randwick.

It is not clear at what stage during this tour the incident which has resulted in the 66-year-old’s suspension occurred.