Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Match Suspension for Genital Grab
Wessels will miss for the Springboks' fall fixtures.
South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for making contact with 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 in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by striking the South African on the head.
After the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the television match official, who determined no definitive proof.
Wessels remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.
Although the URC announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was found to have breached law 9.27, which states:
"Any athlete should not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes touching, pulling or compressing the private areas."
Disciplinary officials concluded that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an infringement.
Nonetheless, the player's ban was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.
Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.
He will also miss the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Northampton.
The prop has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.
The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.
