Springbok Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab
Wessels will miss for the Springboks' fall fixtures.
South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.
The incident occurred in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head.
Following the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was examined by the television match official, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.
Wessels stayed on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.
While the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which specifies:
"A player must not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals."
Disciplinary officials determined that the contact reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby rules for such an offence.
However, Wessels' suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his good record.
Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and the Irish team.
Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.
Wessels has won 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.
Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.
