🔗 Share this article South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact Wessels will be unavailable for South Africa's autumn internationals. Springbok prop Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province. The incident took place in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking Wessels on the head. Following the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof. Wessels remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the game. While the URC announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have breached the code of conduct, which declares: "Any athlete should not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. This includes touching, pulling or compressing the private areas." The panel determined that the contact reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an violation. Nonetheless, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days 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 ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team. Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton. Wessels has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer. Murphy, meanwhile, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.
Wessels will be unavailable for South Africa's autumn internationals. Springbok prop Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province. The incident took place in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking Wessels on the head. Following the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof. Wessels remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the game. While the URC announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have breached the code of conduct, which declares: "Any athlete should not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. This includes touching, pulling or compressing the private areas." The panel determined that the contact reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an violation. Nonetheless, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days 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 ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team. Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton. Wessels has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer. Murphy, meanwhile, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.