Australias Rugby Coach Suspended Over Verbal Abuse of Officials

Japan Rugby Football Union Announces Disciplinary Action Against Eddie Jones

The Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) has taken disciplinary action against Australian rugby coach Eddie Jones, suspending him for four games and reducing his salary due to “verbal abuse directed at local officials” during a recent tour. The suspension is effective from April 24 to June 5.

According to the JRFU, Jones violated their ethics and disciplinary regulations during the Japan Under-23 team tour of Australia from April 1 to 15. The organization stated that the measures were taken in response to “incidences of verbal abuse directed at local match officials.”

Jones has accepted the decision and expressed regret for his behavior. In a statement, he apologized to everyone involved and assured that he would make every effort to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As a result of the disciplinary action, Jones will miss Japan’s Nations Championship opener against Italy on July 4, as well as two games featuring a Japan select team against Hong Kong on May 22 and 29. He is also banned from participating in the Japan XV game against the Maori All Blacks on June 27 in Nagoya and the full Japan side’s Nations Championship opener against Italy.

The JRFU has confirmed that Jones will not be allowed to take part in any games during his suspension period, which includes a six-week ban.

Source: Al Jazeera