Former England rugby head coach Eddie Jones has been suspended by the Japan Rugby Football Union after admitting to making inappropriate remarks to match officials during a tour of Australia.
The 66-year-old, who is in his second spell in charge of Japan, has also been handed a salary reduction as part of the disciplinary action.
Jones will be barred from carrying out his duties as national coach for six weeks, meaning he will be absent from training sessions and matches until June 5.
The sanction stems from incidents that allegedly took place during Japan Under-23's tour of Australia between April 1 and April 15.
According to the Japanese Rugby Football Union, Jones directed verbal abuse towards local match officials, prompting disciplinary proceedings under the governing body's ethics and conduct regulations.
In a statement, Jones accepted responsibility for his actions and issued an apology.
"I accept the disciplinary action of the JRFU relating to the U23 Japan National Team tour of Australia," he said.
Former England rugby head coach Eddie Jones has been suspended by the Japan Rugby Football Union after admitting to making inappropriate remarks to match officials during a tour of Australia
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"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 doesn't happen again."
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Eddie Jones' pay will be reduced while serving as Japan coach
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The governing body confirmed that, in addition to the suspension, Jones' pay would be reduced.
The exact financial penalty has not been disclosed.
The timing is significant, with Japan continuing preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which will be held in Jones' native Australia.
Jones is expected to miss four matches during his suspension.
These include two fixtures involving a Japan Select side against a Hong Kong China Select team at the end of May, as well as a Japan XV match against the Māori All Blacks on June 27 and the Brave Blossoms' clash with Italy national rugby union team in Tokyo on July 4.
Eddie Jones coached England from 2015 to 2022 | PAThe JRFU said in a statement: "Disciplinary measures will be taken against Eddie Jones in accordance with the JRFU's Ethics and Disciplinary Regulations."
It added that the salary reduction and six-week suspension had already been agreed with Jones, who accepted the punishment.
The experienced coach is scheduled to return to active duty on June 5.
He is then expected to oversee Japan's high-profile fixture against Ireland national rugby union team on July 11 as preparations intensify for the next World Cup.
Jones previously coached England between 2015 and 2022, leading the side to the 2019 World Cup final before his dismissal late in 2022.