Springbok Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact
Wessels is ruled out for the Springboks' upcoming test matches.
Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.
The incident happened in the early stages of the close contest in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking Wessels on the head.
Following the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was reviewed by the TMO, who found insufficient clear footage.
The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the game.
Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:
"Any athlete should not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or compressing the private areas."
The panel were satisfied that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under international rugby rules for such an offence.
Nonetheless, the player's ban was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his good record.
The forward and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.
He will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.
Wessels has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.
The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.
