Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact
Wessels is ruled out for South Africa's fall fixtures.
South Africa front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.
This event took place in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head.
After the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was reviewed by the TMO, who determined insufficient clear footage.
The Bulls player remained on the field until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.
While the URC confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which states:
"Any athlete must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or squeezing the private areas."
Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the event met the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under international rugby rules for such an offence.
Nonetheless, the player's ban was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.
The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and Ireland.
He will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.
The prop has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.
Murphy, in contrast, is available to face Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.
