Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab
Wessels is ruled out for the Springboks' fall fixtures.
South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.
The incident took place in the 18th minute of the narrow victory in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head.
After Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was checked by the television match official, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.
Wessels remained on the field until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.
Although the URC announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which states:
"Any athlete must not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or squeezing the genitals."
Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the contact met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.
However, the player's ban was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his good record.
The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old 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 Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.
The prop has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.
Murphy, in contrast, is available to face Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.
