🔗 Share this article Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact The player is ruled out for South Africa's upcoming test matches. South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for touching opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province. This event occurred in the early stages of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head area. After the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was checked by the television match official, who determined insufficient clear footage. The Bulls player stayed on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the game. While the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies: "A player should not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, pulling or compressing the genitals." Disciplinary officials determined that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby regulations for such an offence. Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the hearing and his good record. Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but currently, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and the Irish team. Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints. Wessels has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament. Murphy, meanwhile, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.
The player is ruled out for South Africa's upcoming test matches. South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for touching opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province. This event occurred in the early stages of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head area. After the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was checked by the television match official, who determined insufficient clear footage. The Bulls player stayed on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the game. While the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies: "A player should not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, pulling or compressing the genitals." Disciplinary officials determined that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby regulations for such an offence. Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the hearing and his good record. Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but currently, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and the Irish team. Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints. Wessels has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament. Murphy, meanwhile, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.