South African Player Wessels Handed Nine-Match Suspension for Genital Grab
Wessels is ruled out for the Springboks' autumn internationals.
South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.
The altercation took place in the 18th minute of the narrow victory in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting the South African on the head area.
Following Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who determined insufficient clear footage.
The Bulls player stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the match.
While the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was overturned by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:
"A player must not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals."
The panel determined that the event reached the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.
However, Wessels' ban was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his good record.
Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.
Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.
The prop has earned ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.
The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.
