Asia Rugby Statement

Asia Rugby has concluded its review of matters relating to Mr. Kensuke Iwabuchi and issues the following statement as requested by World Rugby:

“Asia Rugby wishes to confirm that the suspension of its Vice President and Japan Rugby Football Union representative, Mr. Kensuke Iwabuchi, was an error of constitutional interpretation.

Asia Rugby further confirms that the media statement issued on February 24, 2025 was inaccurate and misleading. The media statement is retracted in full and should not have been issued.

Asia Rugby also acknowledges the World Rugby finding of April 25, 2025, that determined there was no basis for the suspension of Mr. Iwabuchi from the Asia Rugby Executive Committee and that he had done nothing wrong.”

This statement is published to provide clarity regarding the matters set out above and to formally conclude this matter.

Asia Rugby remains committed to strengthening good governance, transparency and accountability, and to working collaboratively with World Rugby and all Member Unions for the continued growth and development of rugby across Asia.

This statement is published solely for the purpose of providing clarity regarding the matters set out above. It should not be interpreted as creating or admitting any legal liability, waiving any rights or remedies, or constituting an admission beyond the matters expressly stated. Asia Rugby expressly reserves all rights.