Eddie Jones, head coach of Japan’s national rugby team, has been admitted to hospital in Tokyo after showing signs of a minor stroke.
The former Australia and Saracens coach complained of a headache Tuesday and was taken to a hospital for tests.
“He was with the team’s staff at the time and they went together to a hospital in Tokyo by taxi,” said Mayuko Watanabe, a spokeswoman for the Japan Rugby Football Union.
“The doctors said he was showing signs of a light cerebral infarction and he was hospitalized for examination.”
Japan general manager Kensuke Iwabuchi said Jones was conscious and able to talk.
Former South Africa coach Jake White, who co-opted Jones into his coaching setup during the Springboks successful 2007 World Cup campaign, said that he had been in touch with his wife.
“He is in intensive care and he currently doesn’t have movement on his left side but he is talking and typical of Eddie it’s about the challenge of the All Blacks and the subsequent European tour,” White told a South African rugby website.
Jones led Australia to the 2003 World Cup final, which they lost to England, and also worked for Saracen’s rugby director between 2007 and 2009.
After taking over from New Zealand’s All Black legend John Kirwan as Japan head coach in April 2012, he has led the Brave Blossoms to their fifth and sixth straight Asian Five Nations titles.
Jones has vowed to develop Japan into a top 10 rugby nation before the 2015 World Cup in England. The Weekender spoke with him for our June 2013 issue, and we wish him well.
By Maesie Bertumen
Image courtesy of the JRFU
