JRFU Issues Further Statement in Relation to Asia Rugby’s February 24 Announcement

2025/02/28

The Japan Rugby Football Union has issued a formal letter to Mr. Qais Al Dhalai, President of Asia Rugby expressing its outrage and shock at the temporary suspension of Mr. Kensuke Iwabuchi (Chairman of the JRFU) from his position as Vice Chairman of Asia Rugby.

The decisions to temporarily suspend Mr. Iwabuchi without due process and issue an ambiguous and reckless public statement on the matter, were made unilaterally and without any prior formal communication to Mr. Iwabuchi.

The suspension and the public announcement of this action are in themselves a breach of the Asia Rugby Code of Conduct and imply behaviour or conduct that is wrong, which the JRFU firmly and categorically rejects.

We can also report that in accordance with World Rugby regulations, the JRFU has referred the matter to World Rugby, requesting the governing body to investigate the matter and the conduct of Asia Rugby.

Mr. Iwabuchi continues to carry out his duties as the Chairman of the Japan Rugby Football Union and as a Member of the World Rugby Council.

Masato Tsuchida
President of the Japan Rugby Football Union
28 February 2025

2025/02/25

The Japan Rugby Football Union is currently confirming the circumstances around the temporary suspension of Kensuke Iwabuchi, Chairman of the JRFU, from his position as Vice President of Asia Rugby, as announced by Asia Rugby on 24 February 2025.

The JRFU maintains that Mr Iwabuchi has not acted in any way contrary to the principles of Asia Rugby, including equality, transparency and accountability, and that he has acted in full and complete accordance with Asia Ruby’s Code of Conduct, and will continue to make every effort to promote Asia Rugby.

Masato Tsuchida
President of the Japan Rugby Football Union
25 February 2025