Video of Eddie Jones abuse emerges after ban and pay cut
Video of Eddie Jones abuse emerges after ban and pay cut
Ben RumsbyThu, May 14, 2026 at 10:10 AM UTC
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Eddie Jones has been suspended as Japan head coach for six weeks - Andrew Matthews/PA
Footage has emerged purporting to show some of the abuse by Eddie Jones that led to his suspension and “salary reduction” as Japan head coach.
The Sydney Morning Herald has published a clip of Jones appearing to enter the pitch and remonstrate with a young referee during a tour of his native Australia by his adopted country’s under-23 side.
It was said to be part of a pattern of behaviour by Jones during the tour.
The Japanese Rugby Football Union announced on Wednesday that Jones had been suspended for six weeks, banned from their next four matches, and had a “salary reduction” imposed on him for verbally abusing match officials.
Jones, who accepted the punishment and offered his “sincere apologies” for his behaviour, will miss Japan’s games this month and next, culminating in their opening game in the new Nations Championship against Italy on July 4.
He will be allowed to return for their next match against Ireland the following week, which is being played in Australia.
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The JRFU said in a statement: “Following an independent disciplinary process, the Japan Rugby Football Union hereby announces that disciplinary measures will be taken against Eddie Jones, head coach of the Japan men’s national team in accordance with the JRFU’s ethics and disciplinary regulations. These measures relate to incidences of verbal abuse directed at local match officials during the Japan U23 national team tour of Australia, which took place between April 1 to 15, 2026.
“As a result, the head coach will be barred from attending or taking any part in the following four men’s squad matches.
“22 May 2026: Japan Select v Hong Kong China Select. 29 May 2026: Japan Select v Hong Kong China Select. 27 June 2026: JAPAN XV v Māori All Blacks. 4 July 2026: Japan v Italy.
“In addition to the above disciplinary measures, in light of the seriousness of this matter, the JRFU has already decided, based on the contract with him, to impose a salary reduction on him and to suspend him from his duties as head coach of the Japan national team for 6 weeks (from April 24 to June 5), and Eddie Jones accepted this decision.
Jones said he accepted the disciplinary action imposed by the JRFU. “Some inappropriate remarks that I made caused discomfort to local match officials and other related parties,” Jones said. “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.”
It is not the first time that Jones has been embroiled in angry exchanges upon returning to Australia.
In 2022, after England secured a Test series-clinching win in Sydney over the Wallabies, he became involved in two altercations with fans who called him a “traitor”.
Source: “AOL Sports”
