Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact
Wessels is ruled out for the Springboks' upcoming test matches.
Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.
This event occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head.
After the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was examined by the television match official, who found no definitive proof.
The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the match.
Although the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a governing body, Wessels was found to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:
"A player should not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the private areas."
Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest ban under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.
Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the hearing and his good record.
Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.
He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.
Wessels has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion team over the summer.
The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.
