South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact
The player is ruled out for the Springboks' upcoming test matches.
South Africa front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for making contact with Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.
The altercation occurred in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head area.
After Murphy complained to the match official, the event was examined by the TMO, who determined insufficient clear footage.
Wessels remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.
While the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which states:
"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or compressing the private areas."
Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the event reached the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an offence.
Nonetheless, the player's ban was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.
Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, 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 fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.
Wessels has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.
The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.
