JRFU Suspends Eddie Jones for 6 Weeks Over Verbal Abuse

The Japan Rugby Football Union has suspended national team head coach Eddie Jones for six weeks and reduced his salary following incidents of verbal abuse toward match officials during the Japan U23 tour of Australia from April 1 to 15, 2026.

The suspension, which runs from April 24 to June 5, bars Jones from all head coach duties, including training and matches. In a statement, the JRFU said the measures were taken in accordance with its Ethics and Disciplinary Regulations due to the seriousness of the matter. Jones has accepted the sanctions.

Jones, the 66-year-old Australian in his second stint leading Japan, issued an apology through the JRFU. "I accept the disciplinary action of the JRFU relating to the U23 Japan National Team tour of Australia," he 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 does not happen again."

As a result, Jones will miss four upcoming fixtures: Japan Select against Hong Kong China Select on May 22 and 29, Japan XV against the Maori...