South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact
The player is ruled out for South Africa's fall fixtures.
Springbok prop Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for touching opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.
The altercation took place in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking Wessels on the head area.
After the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who determined no conclusive video evidence.
The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the match.
While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have breached law 9.27, which states: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 grabbing, twisting or compressing the private areas."
Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest ban under World Rugby rules for such an infringement.
However, the player's suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the hearing and his good record.
The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will rule the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.
Wessels will also miss the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Saints.
Wessels has earned ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion team over the summer.
Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.
