Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab
The player is ruled out for South Africa's upcoming test matches.
Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.
The incident took place in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by striking the South African on the head.
After the Connacht player complained to the match official, the situation was checked by the TMO, who concluded no definitive proof.
Wessels remained on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the game.
While the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:
"A player should not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, twisting or compressing the private areas."
Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the event met the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.
Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.
The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.
Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.
The prop has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.
The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to face Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.
