Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab
The player will miss for the Springboks' autumn internationals.
Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.
The altercation took place in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head.
After the Connacht player reported the incident to the match official, the contact was examined by the television match official, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.
Wessels remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the match.
Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which states:
"A player should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals."
Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.
Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.
The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will rule the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.
Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.
Wessels has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.
The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.