South African Player Wessels Handed Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact
Wessels is ruled out for the Springboks' fall fixtures.
South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.
The incident occurred in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting the South African on the head.
After Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof.
Wessels stayed on the field until he was substituted in the later stages of the match.
While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was overturned by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:
"A player must not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."
The panel determined that the event reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under international rugby regulations for such an infringement.
However, Wessels' suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.
Wessels and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.
Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.
Wessels has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.
The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.
