Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact
The player is ruled out for South Africa's autumn internationals.
Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine games for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.
The incident took place in the early stages of the narrow victory in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head area.
After the Connacht player complained to the match official, the event was reviewed by the television match official, who determined insufficient clear footage.
Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.
Although the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have violated law 9.27, which declares:
"Any athlete should not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals."
Disciplinary officials concluded that the incident reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.
However, Wessels' suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.
The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will rule the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and the Irish team.
He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.
Wessels has earned ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion team over the summer.
The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.
