Jones released from ICU, Wisemantel to lead team in November

TOKYO (Oct. 18) – Japan head coach Eddie Jones was released from the intensive care unit of a hospital in Tokyo Friday but will remain in a general ward for the foreseeable future.

The 53-year-old Australian suffered a cerebral infarction earlier in the week and missed Wednesday’s announcement of the squad for the Nov. 2 test against New Zealand and the subsequent four-match tour of Europe.
 
Given the seriousness of the illness, Jones has decided to put priority on his recovery and has, for the time being, handed over the reins of the team to his assistant Scott Wisemantel.
 
Jones is still suffering from some slight numbness in his left limbs but he is conscious and is able to converse.
 
“My apologies for causing such concern prior to the All Blacks game and the European tour,” Jones said. “I will do my best to come back to the Japan national team as soon as possible. I look forward to your support for the Japan team.”
 
“In order to achieve the fastest recovery and make myself available again for the Japan national team as soon as possible, I have decided to appoint our technical advisor, Scott Wisemantel, as acting head coach for the All Black game and the European tour. He understands the Japan Way best. It would have been good if I could lead the team by myself, but I’m sure Wisey will lead the team in the right direction. I believe Wisey, the other staff and the players led by (captain Toshiaki) Hirose will astonish the world through the Japan Way.”
 
Following the game against the All Blacks at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground, Wisemantel and the team will fly to the United Kingdom where they will play Scotland on Nov. 9, Gloucester on Nov. 12 and Russia in Colwyn Bay, Wales, on Nov. 15. They then travel to Madrid where they will round off their tour with a test match against Spain on Nov. 23.