Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has been hit with a six week ban and a pay cut for abusing match officials during a tour of Australia with Japan's under-23 team in April.
Japan's Rugby Football Union announced on Wednesday that Jones would be stood down from all senior national team duties until the Brave Blossoms play Ireland on July 11 in Newcastle.
Wide World of Sports understands that Jones was abusive during games against the Australian Stockmen in Kempsey and the Australia under-20s in Coffs Harbour.
Watch the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season with every match streaming live and on demand on the home of rugby, Stan Sport
The ban means the controversial Australian will miss out on leading Japan in their opening Nations Championship Test against Italy.
Jones will also miss three matches before the Nations Championship, including two games against Hong Kong China Select and another against the Maori All Blacks.
The JRFU did not announce how much salary Jones would lose.
READ MORE: Dozen dominoes to fall after shock Ivan Cleary news
READ MORE: Fire rips through controversial new Australian Open home
READ MORE: AFL Pride Game switched after homophobic slur saga
Jones, 66, apologised in a statement.
"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."
The under-23 team completed their tour of Australia with three wins from four, signing off with a 38-21 victory over Randwick at Coogee Oval.
Jones – one of the most outspoken and colourful coaches in world rugby – returned for a second spell in charge of Japan in 2023.
He has also coached England and his native Australia, and was on the coaching staff for South Africa's Rugby World Cup-winning team in 2007.
Jones' disastrous 10 month second spell in charge of the Wallabies saw them exit the 2023 World Cup at the pool stage for the first time.
He walked out on the Wallabies to return to Japan, where he has family ties and has spent large chunks of his professional life.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.