South African Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab
Wessels will miss for South Africa's upcoming test matches.
South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.
This event took place in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking Wessels on the head area.
Following the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was examined by the television match official, who determined no conclusive video evidence.
Wessels remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.
Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which states:
"A player should not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or squeezing the genitals."
The panel determined that the event met the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under international rugby rules for such an offence.
However, Wessels' ban was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his good record.
The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.
Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.
The prop has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team over the summer.
Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to face Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.
