Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab
The player will be unavailable for the Springboks' fall fixtures.
South Africa prop Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.
The incident occurred in the 18th minute of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting Wessels on the head.
Following the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was examined by the television match official, who determined no definitive proof.
Wessels remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.
Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which states:
"A player must not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or squeezing the private areas."
Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under international rugby rules for such an violation.
Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.
Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.
Wessels will also miss the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.
Wessels has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.
The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.
