Japan head coach Eddie Jones has been hospitalised after reportedly suffering “signs of a minor stroke”.
Jones was in Japan for a training camp ahead of the Autumn campaign which start on November 2 as the Brave Blossoms take on the All Blacks in Tokyo.
Japan Rugby Football Union spokeswoman Mayuko Watanabe said: “He was with the team’s staff at the time and they went together to a hospital in Tokyo by taxi.
“The doctors said he was showing signs of a light cerebral infarction and he was hospitalised for examination.”
Ex-Springboks coach and long-time friend Jake White confirmed Jones is able to speak but is likely to remain in hospital for the time being.
He said: “He is in intensive care and he currently doesn’t have movement on his left side but he is talking – and typical of Eddie – it’s about the challenge of the All Blacks and the subsequent European tour.
“My understanding is he will be in intensive care for at least the next week. My prayers and thoughts are with him, as I am sure will be the case with all those who know him and have had the privilege of working with him.”