Springbok Forward Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact
Wessels will be unavailable for the Springboks' fall fixtures.
Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.
The incident took place in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking the South African on the head.
Following Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was examined by the TMO, who concluded insufficient clear footage.
The Bulls player remained on the field until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.
Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a governing body, Wessels was found to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:
"Any athlete should not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or compressing the private areas."
The panel were satisfied that the event met the red card threshold and justified a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.
However, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.
Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.
Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.
Wessels has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.
The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.
