Japan seeks answers after Asia Rugby suspends its chairman in code of conduct probe
Regional governing body says it acted ‘in line with Asia Rugby principles of equality, transparency and accountability’
Japan’s rugby union said it was seeking answers on Tuesday after its chairman Kensuke Iwabuchi was suspended by Asia Rugby pending an investigation into a potential code of conduct breach.
Asia Rugby said Iwabuchi, who was elected as one of the organisation’s three vice-presidents in November, had been suspended from “any duties and responsibilities until the pending investigation is concluded”.
The regional governing body said it acted “in line with Asia Rugby principles of equality, transparency and accountability”, without giving further details.
Iwabuchi has served as chairman of the Japan Rugby Football Union since 2019 and was instrumental in bringing Eddie Jones back for a second stint as head coach last year.
The JRFU said in a statement that it was seeking clarification from Asia Rugby.
“The JRFU is trying to confirm the circumstances and reasons why our chairman Kensuke Iwabuchi has been temporarily suspended from his position as Asia Rugby vice-president, which was announced on February 24,” the statement said.