South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab
The player will miss for South Africa's autumn internationals.
South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine games for touching opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.
The incident occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking Wessels on the head area.
After Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was examined by the TMO, who determined no conclusive video evidence.
Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.
Although the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have breached the code of conduct, which specifies:
"Any athlete should not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."
The panel determined that the incident met the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under international rugby rules for such an infringement.
However, the player's suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his good record.
The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and Ireland.
Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.
The prop has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.
Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.
