Latest news with #JRFU
The Mainichi
25-04-2025
- Politics
- The Mainichi
JRFU demands reinstatement of chairman to Asia Rugby, apology for ban
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japan Rugby Football Union has demanded the immediate reinstatement of its Chairman Kensuke Iwabuchi to the Asia Rugby executive committee and will seek a public apology after an independent investigation found no basis for his suspension by the regional ruling body in February. In a strongly worded statement released Thursday, JRFU President Masato Tsuchida said the finding by a World Rugby-appointed disciplinary officer of no wrongdoing by Iwabuchi was a rebuke to Asia Rugby over its suspension of the 49-year-old former Japan flyhalf. "The JRFU is delighted that through this independent World Rugby-led investigation, Mr. Iwabuchi's reputation has been restored, and Asia Rugby has been called out for its significant governance failures and lack of transparency," Tsuchida said. Asia Rugby on Feb. 24 announced its temporary suspension of Iwabuchi as vice president over "a potential code of conduct breach" while providing no further details. World Rugby said the allegation stemmed from Iwabuchi raising queries with Asia Rugby "regarding the contents of documents" he was asked to sign as an executive, and that these were "entirely reasonable queries" showing "good governance practice on his part." "While the outcome is a relief for both Mr. Iwabuchi and the JRFU, the reckless behavior of Asia Rugby in suspending Mr. Iwabuchi without any due process and issuing a vague and potentially defamatory press release at the time is very damaging to the reputation of Asia Rugby," Tsuchida said. World Rugby has notified Asia Rugby that it expects Iwabuchi to be reinstated. The JRFU said it will request that the president of Asia Rugby, Qais Al-Dhalai, issue a public apology to Iwabuchi.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Japan, Asia Rugby clash over the suspension of JRFU executive and former player Iwabuchi
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The Japan Rugby Football Union is challenging a decision by Asia Rugby to temporarily suspend JRFU executive director Kensuke Iwabuchi over a possible Code of Conduct breach in an unprecedented squabble between the national and regional bodies. Iwabuchi is an influential figure within Japan rugby, a former international flyhalf and JRFU chairman who played a major role in the reappointment of Australian Eddie Jones as Japan national coach. Asia Rugby announced the suspension of Iwabuchi who was elected late last year as its vice-president. 'In line with Asia Rugby principles of Equality, Transparency and Accountability and due to a potential Code of Conduct breach, Asia Rugby Executive Committee has decided to suspend Mr. Kensuke Iwabuchi ... from any duties and responsibilities until the pending investigation is concluded,." said an Asia Rugby statement. The JRFU responded Tuesday, posting a statement on its website indicating it was investigating the circumstances behind Asia Rugby's decision. 'The association has confirmed that the individual in question has not engaged in any conduct that runs counter to Asia Rugby's principles of equality, transparency and accountability and is acting in accordance with the Code of Conduct. The association will continue to do its utmost to contribute to the development of Asia Rugby.' Asia Rugby has 36 national member unions of which Japan is the most prominent. It works under the auspices of World Rugby. Japan currently is behind the growing profile rugby in the Asia region through its widely-televised professional Japan League One which has attracted some of the world's best players. ___ AP rugby: Steve Mcmorran, The Associated Press
Associated Press
26-02-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Japan, Asia Rugby clash over the suspension of JRFU executive and former player Iwabuchi
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The Japan Rugby Football Union is challenging a decision by Asia Rugby to temporarily suspend JRFU executive director Kensuke Iwabuchi over a possible Code of Conduct breach in an unprecedented squabble between the national and regional bodies. Iwabuchi is an influential figure within Japan rugby, a former international flyhalf and JRFU chairman who played a major role in the reappointment of Australian Eddie Jones as Japan national coach. Asia Rugby announced the suspension of Iwabuchi who was elected late last year as its vice-president. 'In line with Asia Rugby principles of Equality, Transparency and Accountability and due to a potential Code of Conduct breach, Asia Rugby Executive Committee has decided to suspend Mr. Kensuke Iwabuchi ... from any duties and responsibilities until the pending investigation is concluded,.' said an Asia Rugby statement. The JRFU responded Tuesday, posting a statement on its website indicating it was investigating the circumstances behind Asia Rugby's decision. 'The association has confirmed that the individual in question has not engaged in any conduct that runs counter to Asia Rugby's principles of equality, transparency and accountability and is acting in accordance with the Code of Conduct. The association will continue to do its utmost to contribute to the development of Asia Rugby.' Asia Rugby has 36 national member unions of which Japan is the most prominent. It works under the auspices of World Rugby. Japan currently is behind the growing profile rugby in the Asia region through its widely-televised professional Japan League One which has attracted some of the world's best players. ___
Japan Times
25-02-2025
- Sport
- Japan Times
Japan seeks answers after Asia Rugby suspends vice president
Japan's rugby union said Tuesday it was seeking answers after its chairman Kensuke Iwabuchi was suspended from his position with Asia Rugby pending an investigation into a potential code of conduct breach. Asia Rugby said Monday that Iwabuchi, who was elected as one of the organization's three vice presidents in November, was suspended from "any duties and responsibilities until the pending investigation is concluded." It said he had been suspended "in line with Asia Rugby principles of equality, transparency and accountability," without giving further details. Asia Rugby is the regional association of World Rugby, the global governing body. 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. "We have confirmed that he has not committed any act that goes against Asia Rugby's principles of equality, transparency and accountability, and that he is responding in accordance with the code of conduct. "We will continue to do our best to develop Asian rugby." Japan is set to play home games against Wales and Australia this year before taking on Ireland, Wales and Georgia in a November tour of Europe.
