🔗 Share this article Springbok Player Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab Wessels is ruled out for South Africa's autumn internationals. South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals 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 Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head. After Murphy complained to the match official, the situation was examined by the TMO, who concluded insufficient clear footage. The Bulls player remained on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the game. While the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have violated the code of conduct, which declares: "A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes touching, twisting or squeezing the private areas." The panel determined that the contact met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under World Rugby rules for such an infringement. Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history. Wessels and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team. He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton. Wessels has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament. The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to face Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.
Wessels is ruled out for South Africa's autumn internationals. South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals 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 Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head. After Murphy complained to the match official, the situation was examined by the TMO, who concluded insufficient clear footage. The Bulls player remained on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the game. While the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have violated the code of conduct, which declares: "A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes touching, twisting or squeezing the private areas." The panel determined that the contact met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under World Rugby rules for such an infringement. Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history. Wessels and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team. He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton. Wessels has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament. The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to face Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.