Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab
Wessels is ruled out for South Africa's autumn internationals.
Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.
The incident happened in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by hitting Wessels on the head area.
Following the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was reviewed by the television match official, who determined insufficient clear footage.
The Bulls player stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.
While the URC confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have violated law 9.27, which declares:
"A player should not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting 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 regulations for such an violation.
However, the player's suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct 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 young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.
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 Saints.
The prop has earned ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion team over the summer.
Murphy, in contrast, is available to play against Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.