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Ex-England coach banned from national team as he issues grovelling apology

Eddie Jones has found himself in hot water after abusing match officials, which has seen him banned by employers Japan for a period and forced to take a pay cut

[Eddie Jones has apologised after abusing match officials]

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Eddie Jones has apologised after abusing match officials

Former England boss Eddie Jones has been suspended as head coach of Japan and forced to take a pay cut for abusing match officials - admitting he "deeply regrets" his actions.

The incident occurred during an under-23 tour of Australia last month. The Japanese Rugby Football Union (JRFU) has stated that the "seriousness of the matter" and the contents of their contract with Jones means that he has been stood down from his post for six weeks.

The 66-year-old is therefore banned from having any part in the country's next four matches. That covers a period that includes their 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.

Jones said: I accept the disciplinary action of the JRFU relating to the U23 Japan National Team tour of Australia. Some inappropriate remarks that I made caused discomfort to local match officials and other related parties.

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 doesnt happen again.

Jones is in the midst of his second spell coaching Japan. He previously led them to the World Cup in 2015 and masterminded their win over South Africa, regarded as the greatest tournament shock of all-time. He returned to lead them after leaving Australia following the World Cup in 2023.

Jones is the only foreigner to ever coach England and boasted the best winning percentage of any individual before his dismissal in 2022. He claimed three Six Nations, including a Grand Slam, but during his tenure showcased his temper, clashing with supporters on several occasions.

[Eddie Jones has been banned by Japan for their upcoming games]

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Eddie Jones has been banned by Japan for their upcoming games

During a tour of Australia, his homeland, in 2022 England claimed a series victory but Jones was involved in an altercation with some Australian fans who called him a "traitor" after a victory in Sydney.

In 2018 Jones looked to play down an incident in the tunnel at Ellis Park in Johannesburg following Engl;and's 42-39 defeat by South Africa. Supporters leant over the railings after the final whistle but Jones stood his ground for a brief period before being ushered away by players and staff. Jones was also abused by Scotland fans after Englands defeat at Murrayfield earlier that year.

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