South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact
Wessels will miss for South Africa's autumn internationals.
South Africa front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC win over Connacht.
The altercation took place in the early stages of the narrow victory against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown 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 TMO, who concluded insufficient clear footage.
The Bulls player remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.
Although the URC confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:
"A player should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, pulling or compressing the genitals."
Disciplinary officials concluded that the incident met the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.
Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.
Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.
Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.
The prop has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.
The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.
