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Jones has been publicly backed by his assistant coach
These are your evening rugby headlines on Thursday, May 21.
Banned Eddie Jones defended
Japan assistant coach Gary Gold has publicly backed Eddie Jones after he was handed a six-week ban from rugby.
Former Australia and England boss Jones was suspended by the Japanese Rugby Football Union last week for verbally abusing match officials during Japan U23’s recent tour of Australia.
Footage later emerged which purported to show the 66-year-old pacing the sidelines and remonstrating furiously with referee Todd Cummings during the U23s side’s loss to Australia U20s in Coffs Harbour last month.
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Jones has accepted his punishment and apologised, adding that he “deeply regretted” his actions. He will now miss his side’s next four matches, while it was confirmed by the union that a “salary reduction” had been imposed on him as a result of his behaviour.
It is not the first time the Brave Blossoms head coach has landed himself in hot water, but his assistant Gold has now defended his character and coaching style, describing him as an “emotional guy” and “incredible coach”.
While he was not on the tour of Australia, the former South Africa and United States coach added that he was “quite sure” Jones’ behaviour “wasn’t unreasonable”.
“Look, I wasn’t in Australia; it was the U23 team, and Eddie was overseeing it. I honestly have no idea what it’s all about,” Gold told SportsBoom. “Eddie is an emotional guy; he wears his heart on his sleeve.
“He absolutely loves the team and expects everyone to put the same amount of time and attention into doing their job. I have never seen Eddie do something unreasonable, and I’m quite sure he wasn’t unreasonable in this case.”
On working under Jones, he added: “It’s been amazing, and I’m absolutely loving it. It’s a great environment working under Eddie.
“he players are driven and want to improve. The game in Japan is definitely on the rise. It is a challenge to not have the same resources that the top teams in the world have, but thoroughly enjoying it.
“Eddie is an incredible coach,” Gold continued. “He inspires all of us to get better and constantly pushes boundaries to find new and creative ideas. He and Rassie [Erasmus] are very similar individuals. They both have an unbelievable eye for the game.”
Wales international wins award
Wales lock Christ Tshiunza will receive an award at next month’s 2026 Rugby Awards ceremony in London, having been recognised for his actions away from the pitch.
The 24-year-old Exeter Chiefs star, who has endured an injury-hit season, will receive an RPA Personal Development Award from the Rugby Players’ Association after establishing his own online training and mentorship platform, Drivn.
While sidelined with injury, Tshiunza was unable to train consistently and began to consider how many people lack access to professional guidance, motivation and community while trying to reach their fitness goals. Win free tickets to watch Fiji v Wales in Cardiff this summer.
Alongside a business partner, he co-founded the platform, which is now ready to launch, in order to make professional training more accessible with expertly-designed training programmes and the ability to receive personalised guidance and communication from qualified coaches and mentors.
He has now been recognised with an award which “celebrates players who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their personal and professional development away from the field”, and will receive it at next month’s ceremony at Old Billingsgate on June 10.
On receiving the award, the Sale Sharks-bound forward said: “We were very happy to hear that we won the player development award. We set up our online training company, Drivn, to help those playing at a non-professional level in sport and those aspiring to reach pro level.
“We wanted to give them an opportunity and an extra tool to reach their goals by working 1-on-1 with our coaches. This award will support the business massively, as it will allow us to cover the software fees required to set up and run our app.”
Tshiunza will be recognised alongside Bath Rugby teammates Kieran Verden and Josh Bayliss, Leicester Tigers’ Emeke Ilione and Gloucester-Hartpury duo Natasha Hunt and Zoe Stratford at next month’s ceremony.
New Dragons signing gets glowing endorsement
New Dragons scrum-half Ere Enari has received glowing praise from his head coach at the Hurricanes as he prepares for his move to Wales next season.
It was announced on Wednesday that the Samoa international will move to Rodney Parade ahead of the 2026/27 season, having been a regular for the table-topping Super Ruby side this season.
While has largely played second-fiddle to New Zealand international Cam Roigard during his time at the Hurricanes, he has made 12 appearances during the current campaign and starred as his side beat the Blues 47-24 at the weekend.
Dragons boss Filo Tiatia said he was “excited” to start working with Enari next season, and the player has now received a glowing endorsement from his current head coach Clark Laidlaw as his move to Newport was confirmed.
“Ere is an ultimate team man, hugely selfless, a man that has high values, high work ethic, and is playing some very good rugby,” said Laidlaw. “He came in a couple of years ago when TJ Perenara left and we were looking for somebody to call on alongside Cam and the team.
“I think the performance against the Blues sums up how good we think he is. We’ve got a huge amount of trust and belief in his ability, and everybody else got to see that on Saturday. We wish him and his partner Ella all the best in their next adventure.”
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