Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab
Wessels is ruled out for the Springboks' fall fixtures.
Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for making contact with Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.
The altercation took place in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting the South African on the head area.
After the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the television match official, who concluded insufficient clear footage.
Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.
Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which states:
"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the private areas."
The panel were satisfied that the event reached the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby regulations for such an offence.
However, the player's suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.
The forward and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but currently, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.
Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Northampton.
Wessels has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.
The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.
