By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Eddie Jones has been suspended for four games over ‘verbal abuse’ of match officials during an Australian tour, says the Japan Rugby Football Union (JFRU).
Jones accepted the decision and “deeply regretted” his behaviour.
“Some inappropriate remarks that I made caused discomfort to local match officials and other related parties,” the Australian said.
“I would like to offer my sincere apologies to everyone involved, added Jones.”
The JRFU says that because of the “seriousness of the matter” and the contents of their contract with Jones, the 66-year-old has been stood down from his post for six weeks and banned from having any part in the Brave Blossoms’ next four matches.
The JRFU added that it had also imposed a salary reduction on Jones.
His suspension runs from April 24 to June 5.
Japan’s under-23 team returned from the tour with three wins from four games, including a 38-21 victory over Jones’ old Sydney club side Randwick in their final match.
Jones returned as Japan head coach in January 2024, having previously led the Brave Blossoms from 2012 to 2015.
It is not the first time that Jones, who oversaw the Wallabies’ pool-stage exit from the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, has been involved in incidents on his return to his home country.