Eddie Jones, the former England rugby head coach, has been suspended from his role with Japan and forced to take a pay cut after abusing match officials. The 66-year-old issued a grovelling apology, stating he "deeply regrets" his actions.
Incident and Disciplinary Action
The incident occurred during an under-23 tour of Australia last month. The Japanese Rugby Football Union (JRFU) deemed the matter serious, leading to a six-week suspension. Jones will miss Japan's next four matches, including their opening Nations Championship game against Italy on 4 July, two matches against a Hong Kong China Select side, and a warm-up fixture with the Maori All Blacks.
Jones said: "I accept the disciplinary action of the JRFU relating to the U23 Japan National Team tour of Australia. 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."
Jones' Coaching Career
Jones is in his second spell coaching Japan. He previously led them to the 2015 World Cup, masterminding their historic win over South Africa, regarded as the greatest upset in tournament history. He returned after leaving Australia following the 2023 World Cup.
Jones is the only foreigner to have coached England and boasts the best winning percentage of any England coach before his dismissal in 2022. He won three Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam, but his tenure was marked by a fiery temper and clashes with supporters.
Previous Altercations
During England's 2022 tour of Australia, Jones was involved in an altercation with fans who called him a "traitor" after a victory in Sydney. In 2018, following England's 42-39 defeat by South Africa in Johannesburg, Jones briefly confronted supporters leaning over railings before being ushered away. He was also abused by Scotland fans after England's defeat at Murrayfield earlier that year.
