South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact
Wessels will miss for South Africa's upcoming test matches.
Springbok front-rower Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.
The altercation occurred in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head.
Following Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the event was reviewed by the television match official, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.
Wessels remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the game.
Although the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which states:
"A player should not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. This includes touching, twisting or squeezing the private areas."
Disciplinary officials determined that the incident met the red card threshold and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.
However, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.
Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.
Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Northampton.
Wessels has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.
Murphy, meanwhile, is available to play against Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.
