🔗 Share this article Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact The player will be unavailable for South Africa's upcoming test matches. South Africa front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over Connacht. The altercation occurred in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking the South African on the head area. Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the contact was checked by the television match official, who determined no conclusive video evidence. Wessels remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the match. While the URC announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which declares: "Any athlete must not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, pulling or squeezing the private areas." Disciplinary officials concluded that the contact met the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under international rugby regulations for such an offence. Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record. The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but currently, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team. Wessels will also miss the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Saints. Wessels has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team over the summer. The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.
The player will be unavailable for South Africa's upcoming test matches. South Africa front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over Connacht. The altercation occurred in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking the South African on the head area. Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the contact was checked by the television match official, who determined no conclusive video evidence. Wessels remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the match. While the URC announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which declares: "Any athlete must not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, pulling or squeezing the private areas." Disciplinary officials concluded that the contact met the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under international rugby regulations for such an offence. Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record. The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but currently, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team. Wessels will also miss the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Saints. Wessels has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team over the summer. The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.