Japan coach Jones handed six-week ban for verbal abuse of match officials

Japan head coach Eddie Jones
Japan head coach Eddie JonesAction Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs

Japan head coach Eddie Jones has ⁠been suspended for six weeks and handed a salary ‌reduction after incidents of verbal abuse ‌directed at local match officials ‌during their Under-23 tour of ‌Australia last month, the country's ‌governing body for rugby union (JRFU) said on Wednesday.

Following an independent disciplinary ‌process, the 66-year-old Australian - ⁠a former ‌England and Australia coach - accepted the ​decision. His suspension runs from April 24th to ​June 5th.

Jones will be barred from attending or taking part ⁠in four ​matches, including Japan's Nations Championship opener against Italy in Tokyo on July 4th.

"Some inappropriate remarks that ‌I made caused discomfort to local match officials and other related parties," Jones said in a statement.

"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 returned as Japan's head coach in January 2024, having previously led the Brave Blossoms from 2012 to ⁠2015.

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