The former Australia coach Eddie Jones is in intensive care after suffering a stroke.

Jones, who was also an assistant to Jake White when South Africa won the 2007 World Cup, is head coach of Japan. He had been preparing for a match against the All Blacks on 2 November and complained of a headache on Tuesday night when he returned to Tokyo from an inspection of the Brave Blossoms' training camp.

White, among Jones's closest friends, told Keo.co.za that he had spoken to his wife and that the positive was that he was able to speak.

"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," White said. "My understanding is he will be in intensive care for at least the next week."

White saw Jones, who is only 53, in Durban last week and was shocked by the news. "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," said White.