🔗 Share this article Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab Wessels will be unavailable for South Africa's autumn internationals. Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province. The incident happened in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by hitting Wessels on the head. Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the situation was checked by the television match official, who found no definitive proof. Wessels stayed on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the game. Although the URC confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which states: "Any athlete should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, pulling or squeezing the genitals." Disciplinary officials concluded that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under World Rugby regulations for such an offence. However, Wessels' suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history. The forward and the Bulls have the right to appeal, 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 the Irish team. He will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints. Wessels has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament. The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.
Wessels will be unavailable for South Africa's autumn internationals. Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province. The incident happened in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by hitting Wessels on the head. Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the situation was checked by the television match official, who found no definitive proof. Wessels stayed on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the game. Although the URC confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which states: "Any athlete should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, pulling or squeezing the genitals." Disciplinary officials concluded that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under World Rugby regulations for such an offence. However, Wessels' suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history. The forward and the Bulls have the right to appeal, 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 the Irish team. He will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints. Wessels has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament. The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.