Japan rugby club suspends operations after bar scandal

Japanese rugby club Hino Red Dolphins said on Friday it would suspend operations after players stripped, groped waitresses and smashed glasses at a bar.

The team based in the west of Tokyo was scheduled to play a match on Saturday in Japan's second division but has withdrawn from the league "indefinitely".

"Media have published articles regarding the Hino Red Dolphins scandal," the club said in a brief statement.

"In response... (we) will suspend activities indefinitely, effective today," it added.

Club head Tokuichi Shiga later told reporters that some players acted inappropriately at a bar after training.

"We deeply apologise to all of you for any inconvenience caused," he said.

Shiga said seven players "got drunk, took off their clothes, sexually harassed (bar staff), damaged goods such as alcohol bottles and glasses".

The details were reported in the Bunshun weekly magazine, which was published on Wednesday.

A total of 23 players and one staff member were at the bar in southwestern Oita on 31 October, according to the report.

Shiga admitted that some of the incidents reported were true.

"It's an unacceptable act that goes against the spirit of integrity that rugby values," he said.

The magazine said the bar later demanded 3 million yen ($23 000) from the team, and after receiving it, demanded another 3 million.

But Shiga said the bar did not ask for money the second time, and did not specify how much the players paid.

Shiga said the club "haven't had enough discussions" to decide what they will do in the future.

"It's not the right time to say when," he said.

The league said in a statement that the incident was "deeply regrettable".

"Since learning of this case, the league is establishing the facts of the matter and together with the Japan Rugby Football Union, the Japan Rugby League One integrity committee will decide how to proceed," it said.

"We apologise from our hearts to the fans and to everyone concerned."

The scandal is not the first time the club has found itself in hot water over the behaviour of its players.

In 2020, a player from New Zealand was arrested over suspected cocaine use, prompting the Japan Rugby Football Union to scrap three rounds of matches and promise to "thoroughly educate" teams on drug laws.