South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Match Suspension for Genital Grab
The player is ruled out for the Springboks' autumn internationals.
Springbok prop Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.
This event happened in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head area.
After Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was checked by the television match official, who determined no conclusive video evidence.
Wessels stayed on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the match.
While the URC confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which declares:
"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."
Disciplinary officials determined that the contact reached the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under international rugby regulations for such an offence.
Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record.
The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.
Wessels will also miss the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Saints.
Wessels has won 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion team over the summer.
The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.
