Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact
Wessels will be unavailable for the Springboks' autumn internationals.
Springbok prop Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.
This event took place in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head.
Following the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was checked by the TMO, who found no conclusive video evidence.
Wessels stayed on the field until he was substituted in the second half of the match.
While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:
"A player should not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals."
Disciplinary officials determined that the incident reached the red card threshold and justified a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby rules for such an offence.
However, the player's ban was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record.
The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, 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 Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.
The prop has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion team over the summer.
The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to play against Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.
