Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact
The player will miss for South Africa's autumn internationals.
Springbok front-rower Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.
The incident occurred in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking the South African on the head area.
Following Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was examined by the television match official, who concluded no definitive proof.
The Bulls player stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the game.
While the URC announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was overturned by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:
"A player must not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or compressing the genitals."
Disciplinary officials determined that the contact met the red card threshold and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.
Nonetheless, the player's suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.
The forward and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but currently, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.
Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.
The prop has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.
The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.
