Springbok Player Wessels Receives Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact
Wessels will be unavailable for the Springboks' fall fixtures.
Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for touching opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.
The incident happened in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking the South African on the head.
Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the situation was examined by the television match official, who concluded no definitive proof.
Wessels remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.
Although the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which states:
"A player must not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or compressing the private areas."
The panel concluded that the event met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.
However, Wessels' ban was reduced by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record.
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 autumn Tests against Japan, France, Italy and Ireland.
He will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.
The prop has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.
The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.
