Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Match Suspension for Genital Grab
Wessels is ruled out for South Africa's upcoming test matches.
Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for making contact with Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.
The incident took place in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking Wessels on the head.
Following the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was checked by the television match official, who concluded insufficient clear footage.
The Bulls player stayed on the field until he was substituted in the second half of the match.
While the URC confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have violated law 9.27, which specifies:
"A player must not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, twisting or squeezing the private areas."
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, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record.
The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.
He will also miss the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.
The prop has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.
Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.
