Statement Regarding Asia Rugby Governance Concerns and the Resignation of Asia Rugby Vice President Kensuke Iwabuchi
The JRFU has concluded that it is no longer tenable for JRFU Chairman, Kensuke Iwabuchi, to continue serving as Vice President of Asia Rugby.
Notwithstanding this position, the JRFU remains fully committed to the development of rugby throughout Asia. As a founding member of Asia Rugby, the JRFU will continue to fulfil its responsibilities by working closely with Member Unions across the region and contributing to the continued growth of the game in Asia.
On 24 February 2025, Asia Rugby unexpectedly and unilaterally announced the temporary suspension of Mr. Iwabuchi from his position as Vice President without legitimate justification. Following its investigation, the World Rugby Disciplinary Committee determined that Mr. Iwabuchi had not breached the Asia Rugby Articles of Association, Regulations or Code of Conduct, nor any applicable World Rugby regulations. The Committee further recognised that Mr. Iwabuchi had consistently demonstrated sound governance and strong leadership in the discharge of his duties within Asia Rugby.
Furthermore, since December 2025, World Rugby has suspended Asia Rugby’s representation on the World Rugby Council due to ongoing concerns regarding the organisation’s governance and financial controls.
The JRFU regards it as a matter of the utmost seriousness that disciplinary action was taken against Mr. Iwabuchi without due process, that public statements containing factual inaccuracies were issued, and that those statements created misleading impressions that caused damage to his reputation. The JRFU has consistently called upon Asia Rugby to acknowledge these failings, correct the public record, and issue an apology to Mr. Iwabuchi. However, Asia Rugby has failed to take any meaningful corrective action, and no apology has been forthcoming.
It is for these reasons that the JRFU has determined it necessary to issue this public statement.
Comment from Masato Tsuchida, President of the Japan Rugby Football Union:
“The actions taken by Asia Rugby in February last year were wholly unacceptable. We remain deeply concerned by the lack of sound governance within Asia Rugby and by its subsequent failure to respond in a sincere, transparent and accountable manner. For these reasons, the JRFU fully supports Chairman Kensuke Iwabuchi’s decision to resign from his position as Vice President of Asia Rugby.
“Mr. Iwabuchi has made an outstanding contribution to the development of rugby in Asia through his leadership, integrity and unwavering commitment and his achievements are widely recognised throughout the international rugby community. The JRFU will continue to work closely with Member Unions across Asia and with World Rugby to promote the development of the game and support its continued growth throughout the region.