Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact
Wessels will be unavailable for the Springboks' upcoming test matches.
Springbok front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.
The altercation occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head.
Following Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was reviewed by the television match official, who found no definitive proof.
Wessels stayed on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.
While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:
"Any athlete should not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. This includes touching, twisting or squeezing the private areas."
Disciplinary officials determined that the event reached the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby rules for such an infringement.
Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.
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, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.
Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Northampton.
The prop has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion team over the summer.
The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.
