Eddie Jones, the former England and Japan head coach, has been suspended from his role following a disciplinary action over ‘serious matter’.
According to AP, Jones was found to have engaged in inappropriate conduct, prompting the Japan Rugby Football Union to take swift action.
Background
Jones, a well-respected coach, had been at the helm of the Japan national team since 2018 and led them to a historic victory over South Africa in the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
However, his tenure was marred by controversy, including a highly publicized feud with the team’s players and staff.
“The Japan Rugby Football Union takes all allegations of misconduct seriously and will not tolerate any behavior that brings the sport into disrepute,” a spokesperson for the union said in a statement.
Reaction
The news of Jones’ suspension has sent shockwaves through the rugby community, with many expressing their disappointment and concern for the sport’s reputation.
“This is a sad day for Japanese rugby and a setback for the sport as a whole,” said former Japan international, Daisuke Ohata. “Eddie Jones was a complex figure, but he was also a talented coach who brought a lot to the table.”
Ohata added, “The Japan Rugby Football Union must now take a long, hard look at its processes and procedures to ensure that this kind of incident does not happen again.”
Implications
The suspension of Jones will have significant implications for the Japan national team, particularly in the lead-up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
With the tournament just around the corner, the team will now have to regroup and find a new coach to lead them into the competition.
The Japan Rugby Football Union has announced that it will appoint an interim coach to take charge of the team until a permanent replacement is found.
Up next
The Japan national team is set to face Scotland in a crucial World Cup qualifier on June 10 at the Nissan Stadium in Yokohama.
References
- AP
- AS
