Springbok Forward Wessels Handed Nine-Match Suspension for Genital Grab
Wessels will miss for South Africa's autumn internationals.
South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.
The altercation took place in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head.
After Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was checked by the television match official, who concluded insufficient clear footage.
Wessels remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.
While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have breached the code of conduct, which specifies:
"A player should not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals."
The panel determined that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under international rugby rules for such an infringement.
Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record.
The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and the Irish team.
Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.
Wessels has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.
The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.
