🔗 Share this article Springbok Player Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab Wessels is ruled out for South Africa's upcoming test matches. Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC win over Connacht. This event happened in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking the South African on the head area. Following Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was checked by the television match official, who determined no definitive proof. The Bulls player remained on the field until he was substituted in the later stages of the game. Although the URC confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have breached law 9.27, which declares: "Any athlete should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or compressing the genitals." The panel were satisfied that the contact reached the red card threshold and justified a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an violation. However, the player's suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record. The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team. He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux 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, meanwhile, is available to play against Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.
Wessels is ruled out for South Africa's upcoming test matches. Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC win over Connacht. This event happened in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking the South African on the head area. Following Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was checked by the television match official, who determined no definitive proof. The Bulls player remained on the field until he was substituted in the later stages of the game. Although the URC confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have breached law 9.27, which declares: "Any athlete should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or compressing the genitals." The panel were satisfied that the contact reached the red card threshold and justified a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an violation. However, the player's suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record. The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team. He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux 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, meanwhile, is available to play against Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.