Springbok Player Wessels Handed Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact
Wessels will miss for the Springboks' autumn internationals.
Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for touching opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.
The altercation occurred in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking Wessels on the head area.
After Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was examined by the TMO, who concluded insufficient clear footage.
The Bulls player stayed on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.
While the URC confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which specifies:
"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or compressing the private areas."
The panel concluded that the contact reached the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an offence.
However, the player's ban was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.
The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled 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 Japan, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.
Wessels will also miss the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.
The prop has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.
The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to play against Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.
