South African Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab
The player will miss for South Africa's autumn internationals.
South Africa front-rower Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.
This event occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking the South African on the head.
Following the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was checked by the television match official, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.
The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.
Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated law 9.27, which specifies:
"A player should not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."
Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the contact met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under international rugby rules for such an infringement.
Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his good record.
Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but currently, the suspension will rule the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.
He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.
The prop has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.
The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to face Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.
