Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact
Wessels will miss for South Africa's upcoming test matches.
South Africa front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine games for touching opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.
The incident occurred in the 18th minute of the narrow victory in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking the South African on the head area.
Following Murphy complained to the match official, the event was reviewed by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof.
Wessels remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the match.
Although the URC announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was overturned by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:
"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, twisting or compressing the genitals."
The panel were satisfied that the event reached the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under international rugby rules for such an infringement.
Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.
The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.
He will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.
Wessels has earned ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.
Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to face Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.
