Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact
Wessels will be unavailable for the Springboks' autumn internationals.
Springbok front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for grabbing 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 narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head area.
After the Connacht player complained to the match official, the contact was examined by the TMO, who concluded insufficient clear footage.
Wessels stayed on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the game.
Although the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which states:
"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the private areas."
The panel were satisfied that the incident reached the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under international rugby rules for such an offence.
However, Wessels' suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his good record.
Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.
He will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Northampton.
Wessels has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.
The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.
