UPDATED - Asia Rugby suspends JRFU Executive Director

Asia Rugby, the governing body of rugby union in Asia, has suspended its Vice President and Japan Rugby Football Union’s Executive Director Kensuke Iwabuchi.

Asia Rugby made the announcement on its website on Monday with a short statement: “In line with Asia Rugby principles of Equality, Transparency and Accountability; and due to a potential Code of Conduct breach, Asia Rugby Executive Committee has decided to suspend Mr Kensuke Iwabuchi – Asia Rugby Vice President from any duties and responsibilities until the pending investigation is concluded.” 

The Tokyo-born former Japan international, 49, was appointed as Asia Rugby’s Vice President in November 2024.

A JRFU spokesperson initially commented on the news to Japanese daily sports newspaper Sports Nippon: “We are currently confirming the details with Asia Rugby.” 

UPDATED (25 February) - The national governing body published the following statement on their website on Tuesday afternoon: "The Japan Rugby Football Union (Chairman: Tsuchida Masato, Minato-ku, Tokyo), a public interest incorporated foundation, is currently investigating the circumstances and reasons behind the decision made by Asia Rugby to temporarily suspend Iwabuchi Kensuke (Executive Director of the Union) from his position as Asia Rugby Vice Chairman on February 24th.

"The association has confirmed that the individual in question has not engaged in any conduct that runs counter to Asia Rugby's principles of equality, transparency and accountability and is acting in accordance with the Code of Conduct. The association will continue to do its utmost to contribute to the development of Asia Rugby."

Stay tuned to RugbyJP as this story develops.  

Picture courtesy of JRFU