Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab
Wessels will miss for the Springboks' upcoming test matches.
Springbok front-rower Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC win over Connacht.
The incident took place in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head.
After Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was checked by the television match official, who found insufficient clear footage.
Wessels stayed on the field until he was substituted in the second half of the game.
While the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was found to have breached law 9.27, which states:
"Any athlete must not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."
The panel concluded that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under international rugby regulations for such an infringement.
Nonetheless, the player's suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record.
The forward and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.
He will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Saints.
The prop has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.
Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to face Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.
