South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact
Wessels will be unavailable for the Springboks' autumn internationals.
South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.
The incident took place in the early stages of the narrow victory in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head.
After Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was examined by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof.
Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.
Although the URC announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:
"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the private areas."
Disciplinary officials determined that the event reached the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an offence.
Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record.
The forward and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.
Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.
The prop has earned ten international appearances for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.
Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to play against Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.
