Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab
Wessels is ruled out for the Springboks' upcoming test matches.
Springbok prop Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.
The incident took place in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head area.
After Murphy complained to the match official, the contact was examined by the TMO, who determined insufficient clear footage.
The Bulls player remained on the field until he was substituted in the second half of the game.
Although the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:
"A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals."
Disciplinary officials determined that the incident met the red card threshold and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under international rugby regulations for such an violation.
Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.
The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.
He will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Saints.
Wessels has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.
Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to face Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.
