Japan coach Jones suspended for four games

Breaking news from the world of sport: Jones suspended as Japan boss for next four gamesImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Jones' Japan side have been drawn in a pool with France, United States and Samoa for next year's Rugby World CupByMike Henson Sport rugby union news reporterPublished7 minutes agoFormer 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) 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. Jones will miss his team's opening Nations Championship match against Italy on 4 July, as well as two matches against a Hong Kong China Select side and a warm-up fixture with the Maori All Blacks.

The JRFU added that it had also imposed a salary reduction on Jones. Jones, 66, said he accepted his punishment and "deeply regretted" his behaviour. "Some inappropriate remarks that I made caused discomfort to local match officials and other related parties," the Australian added.

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"I would like to offer my sincere apologies to everyone involved. "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. 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.

After a series-clinching win over Australia in Sydney in 2022, the then-England boss was twice involved in angry exchanges with fans calling him a "traitor".

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.