South African Forward Wessels Handed Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab
The player will miss for the Springboks' autumn internationals.
Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine games for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC win over Connacht.
The altercation took place in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head area.
After the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who found no definitive proof.
The Bulls player remained on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the game.
Although the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which specifies:
"Any athlete should not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or compressing the genitals."
Disciplinary officials concluded that the event met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an offence.
However, the player's ban was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.
Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.
Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.
The prop has earned ten international appearances for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.
Murphy, meanwhile, is available to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.
