Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab
The player is ruled out for South Africa's autumn internationals.
South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.
This event happened in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head.
Following Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was checked by the TMO, who found no definitive proof.
The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the match.
While the URC announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was found to have violated law 9.27, which declares:
"A player must not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or compressing the genitals."
Disciplinary officials concluded that the incident reached the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under World Rugby rules for such an infringement.
Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.
Wessels and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but currently, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.
He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.
Wessels has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.
The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.
