South African Player Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab
Wessels will be unavailable for South Africa's fall fixtures.
South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.
The incident occurred in the early stages of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking Wessels on the head.
After the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was reviewed by the television match official, who found no definitive proof.
Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.
While the URC confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was overturned by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated law 9.27, which states:
"Any athlete should not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals."
Disciplinary officials concluded that the contact met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby regulations for such an offence.
However, the player's ban was reduced by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his good record.
The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.
Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.
The prop has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.
The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to play against Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.
