Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab
The player will miss for South Africa's fall fixtures.
South Africa prop Wessels has been suspended of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.
This event took place in the 18th minute of the narrow victory in Galway 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.
Following the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was reviewed by the television match official, who concluded no definitive proof.
Wessels remained on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the match.
While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated law 9.27, which specifies:
"A player should not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, twisting or compressing the genitals."
Disciplinary officials concluded that the contact reached the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.
However, the player's ban was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.
The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, Italy and the Irish team.
Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.
The prop has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion team over the summer.
Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.
