Eddie Jones Fined, Suspended by Japan for Abusing Officials on Australia Tour

Former England boss Eddie Jones has been fined and suspended as head coach of Japan for abusing match officials during an under-23 tour of Australia last month.

The Japanese Rugby Football Union (JRFU) cited the "seriousness of the matter" and the terms of their contract with Jones in imposing the penalties on the 66-year-old. He has been stood down from his post for six weeks and banned from any involvement in the Brave Blossoms' next four matches.

Jones will miss his team's opening Nations Championship match against Italy on July 4, along with two games against a Hong Kong China Select side and a warm-up against the Maori All Blacks.

The JRFU also reduced Jones' salary as part of the punishment.

Jones, 66, said he accepted the punishment and "deeply regretted" his behavior.

"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."

Japan's under-23 team returned from the tour with three wins in four games, capped by a 38-21 victory over Jones' former Sydney club side Randwick in the final match.

This is not the first time Jones, who coached the Wallabies to a pool-stage exit at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, has faced incidents on trips back to his home country.