Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab
The player is ruled out for South Africa's upcoming test matches.
Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.
The incident happened in the 18th minute of the narrow victory in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by striking the South African on the head.
After Murphy complained to the match official, the situation was checked by the TMO, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.
Wessels remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the match.
While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was overturned by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated law 9.27, which declares:
"A player must not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the private areas."
Disciplinary officials determined that the contact reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under international rugby regulations for such an infringement.
Nonetheless, the player's suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record.
The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.
He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Northampton.
Wessels has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.
Murphy, meanwhile, is available to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.
