Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Match Suspension for Genital Grab
Wessels is ruled out for South Africa's fall fixtures.
Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine games for making contact with Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.
The altercation happened in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head.
After Murphy complained to the match official, the situation was examined by the television match official, who concluded no definitive proof.
Wessels remained on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the game.
While the URC confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:
"A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or squeezing the genitals."
Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the contact reached the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under World Rugby rules for such an offence.
Nonetheless, the player's suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.
Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and Ireland.
Wessels will also miss the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.
Wessels has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion team over the summer.
Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.
