Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact
Wessels will miss for South Africa's fall fixtures.
South Africa front-rower Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.
This event took place in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head.
Following Murphy complained to the match official, the contact was checked by the television match official, who concluded insufficient clear footage.
The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the match.
Although the URC confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have violated law 9.27, which states:
"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals."
Disciplinary officials determined that the contact reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an offence.
Nonetheless, the player's suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.
The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will rule the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.
Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.
The prop has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.
The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to play against Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.
