Three Australian private schoolboys have been kicked off a rugby tour in Japan after stealing a wheelchair from a disabled man.
The victim, an American living in Japan, shared a photo of the Ipswich Grammar School boys on social media, asking for help in identifying them after reporting the incident to the local police.
He had been in Tokyo’s entertainment district Kabukicho when he claims the boys ‘sprinted away’ with his wheelchair.
‘These guys are on holiday in Japan and stole a wheelchair from someone and ran off,’ the wheelchair user posted to Reddit. ‘Anyone know who they are?’
After sharing the photo, the man revealed he had contacted the prestigious Queensland school and the team’s coach.
‘I’m going to trust (perhaps naively) they’ll follow up with the kids appropriately,’ they said.
‘They said they’ll get back to me to let me know what the repercussions ultimately were. Thanks to everyone who helped find them.
The man added that while he can walk short distances, the incident caused trouble for his friends, who had to spend two hours searching for the wheelchair.
‘Basically consider the matter closed.’
A spokesperson from Ispwich Grammar has confirmed the boys were part of a school rugby trip and have been punished.
‘Ipswich Grammar School has been informed of an incident that occurred in Japan,’ the spokesperson told Daily Mail Australian on Wednesday.
‘Following an investigation, the students involved have been removed from the tour.
‘We have taken the matter seriously and the school is addressing it as per our policies’.
The school’s Rugby and Cultural Tour is an eight-day visit to Japan, which wraps up on Saturday.
Aussies were quick to condemn the bad behaviour overseas.
‘The ugly Australians strike again,’ one wrote.
‘Well I hope the school suspends them and makes them do some community hours with a disability organisation,’ a second added.
‘Aussies are a menace overseas,’ a third said.
Ispwich Grammar boasts it is the oldest grammar school in Queensland and charges fees of almost $5,145 per term, totalling $20,580 a year.
Notable Grammar old boys include author High Court Supreme Justice Sir Harry Gibbs, author John Birmingham, Australian cricketers Shane Watson and Craig McDermott and league stars Kevin, Kerrod and Steven Walters.
