Three students from an Australian private school have been kicked out of a rugby tour of 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 and asked for help identifying them after reporting the incident to local police.
He was in Tokyo’s Kabukicho entertainment district when he says the boys “ran off” with his wheelchair.
“These guys were on vacation in Japan, stole someone’s wheelchair and ran away,” the wheelchair user posted on Reddit. “Does anyone know who they are?”
After sharing the photo, the man revealed that he had contacted the prestigious Queensland school and the team’s coach.
“I’m going to trust (perhaps naively) that they will keep track of the children properly,” they said.
They said they would get back to me with the final repercussions. Thanks to everyone who helped find them.
The man added that although he can walk short distances, the incident caused problems for his friends, who had to spend two hours looking for the wheelchair.
A Reddit user posted a photo of three Australian students from a private school with the wheelchair that was allegedly stolen from the user while he was in Japan.
‘Basically, I consider the matter closed.’
A spokesman for Ispwich Grammar confirmed the boys were part of a school rugby trip and had been punished.
“Ipswich High School has been informed of an incident in Japan,” the spokesperson told the Daily Mail Australian on Wednesday.
‘Following an investigation, the students involved were removed from the tour.
“We have taken the matter seriously and the school is addressing it in accordance with our policies.”
The school’s Cultural and Rugby Tour is an eight-day visit to Japan, ending on Saturday.
Australians were quick to condemn the misbehaviour overseas.
“Ugly Aussies strike again,” wrote one.
Ispwich Grammar boasts being Queensland’s oldest secondary school and charges fees of almost $7000 for Year 12 boys.
The boys were in Japan for an eight-day trip to play rugby and do a cultural exchange.
“Well I hope the school suspends them and forces them to do some community service hours with a disability organisation,” added a second.
“Australians are a menace overseas,” said a third.
Ispwich Grammar boasts being Queensland’s oldest secondary school and charges fees of almost $5,145 per term, totalling $20,580 a year.
Notable Grammar alumni include author Sir Harry Gibbs, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, author John Birmingham, Australian cricketers Shane Watson and Craig McDermott and league stars Kevin, Kerrod and Steven Walters.
