South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact
Wessels is ruled out for South Africa's upcoming test matches.
South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.
The incident happened in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head.
Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the situation was checked by the television match official, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.
Wessels remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.
Although the URC announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:
"A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."
Disciplinary officials concluded that the contact met the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under international rugby regulations for such an offence.
However, the player's suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record.
Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.
He will also miss the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.
The prop has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.
The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to play against Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.
