South African Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact
Wessels will miss for the Springboks' autumn internationals.
South Africa front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.
The incident happened in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by hitting Wessels on the head.
Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the event was checked by the television match official, who found insufficient clear footage.
The Bulls player stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the game.
Although the URC announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which states:
"A player must not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or squeezing the genitals."
The panel determined that the contact met the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.
Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record.
Wessels and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, France, Italy and the Irish team.
Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.
The prop has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.
Murphy, meanwhile, is available to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.
