South African Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab
Wessels is ruled out for South Africa's upcoming test matches.
Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.
The altercation took place in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by striking the South African on the head.
Following the Connacht player reported the incident to the match official, the situation was examined by the television match official, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.
The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.
While the URC announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which states:
"A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or compressing the private areas."
Disciplinary officials determined that the incident met the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under World Rugby rules for such an violation.
Nonetheless, the player's suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record.
Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, France, Italy and the Irish team.
Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Saints.
The prop has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion team over the summer.
Murphy, meanwhile, is available to play against Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.
