JRFU Welcomes Asia Rugby’s Statement on the Wrongful Suspension of Kensuke Iwabuchi

The Japan Rugby Football Union is pleased to note Asia Rugby’s admission that it was wrong to suspend current JRFU Deputy President and former Asia Rugby Vice President Mr. Kensuke Iwabuchi in February 2025. The statement issued by Asia Rugby (https://www.asiarugby.com/2026/07/17/asia-rugby-statement-2/) confirms that it accepts that Mr. Iwabuchi did nothing wrong and that there was no basis for his suspension. Asia Rugby also acknowledges that it was wrong to issue a misleading and inaccurate media statement at the time and that it is retracted in full.

Mr. Iwabuchi resigned as Vice President of Asia Rugby in June 2026.

Japan Rugby Football Union President Masato Tsuchida commented:

“While Asia Rugby’s acknowledgement of its unfair treatment of Mr. Iwabuchi is welcome, it is disappointing that it has taken so long for the situation to be rectified”.

“In April 2025, an Independent World Rugby investigation concluded that there was no basis for the suspension of Mr. Iwabuchi from the Asia Rugby Executive Committee and that he had done nothing wrong. Since then, JRFU has been demanding a formal apology from Asia Rugby, so it is only right and fair that Asia Rugby should finally recognise its governance and process failures in relation to the suspension of Mr. Iwabuchi without any justifiable reason.”

“Kensuke Iwabuchi is recognised globally as an outstanding rugby administrator and a respected member of the international rugby community. He has made significant contributions to the development of the game in Japan and Asia over many years and has always acted with integrity and passion for our great game. JRFU is pleased that Asia Rugby has finally acknowledged that it was wrong to suspend him in February 2025 and that we can bring this matter to a close”.