Eddie Jones says that he may need a “laundry basket” to get around the touchline ban Rugby

#springboks #allblacks #rugby #frenchrugby #sports #irishrugby #englandrugby Eddie Jones Breaks Silence on Referee Ban as Japan Coach Makes Laundry Basket Joke Japan head coach Eddie Jones has addressed the suspension handed to him by the Japan Rugby Football Union, joking that he may need a “laundry basket” to get around the touchline ban that will keep him out of several upcoming fixtures. The former England and Wallabies boss was recently sanctioned by the JRFU following an incident involving verbal comments directed at match officials during a Japan Under-23 tour of Australia earlier this year. As part of the punishment, Jones received a suspension from coaching activities and a salary reduction, with the veteran coach set to miss Japan’s opening Nations Championship clash against Italy in Tokyo. Speaking after naming his squad for an upcoming training camp, Jones attempted to lighten the mood by referencing one of football’s most famous coaching stories. The Australian joked that he was searching for a laundry basket, a nod to former Chelsea manager José Mourinho, who famously hid in one while attempting to evade a touchline ban during his time in English football. Jones quickly clarified that he was joking before turning his attention to the incident that led to his punishment. In his first public appearance since the disciplinary decision was announced, the 66-year-old opened proceedings with an apology and accepted responsibility for his actions. “I’m disappointed in my behaviour,” Jones admitted, acknowledging that he had let both himself and the sport down. The Japan coach revealed that he had already apologised directly to the referee involved immediately after the match and reiterated his regret over the comment that triggered the disciplinary process. According to Jones, the suspension stemmed from a single remark made during the game, which he now accepts was inappropriate regardless of his frustration at the time. “I shouldn’t have done it,” he said. As part of his punishment, Jones was barred from rugby-related activities for six weeks and prevented from attending domestic league matches during that period. He has already missed several representative fixtures and will also be absent from Japan’s upcoming encounter with the Maori All Blacks. Although he is permitted to return to coaching duties at Japan’s training camp, he remains prohibited from entering the stadium during the Nations Championship opener against Italy. Jones will be eligible to return to the coaching box for Japan’s second tournament fixture against Ireland before his side conclude their campaign against France later in July. Despite the controversy, the experienced coach is eager to move forward and focus on Japan’s preparations for a challenging international schedule. “Like everyone, we make mistakes,” Jones said. “Now it’s time to move on.”