Springbok Player Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab
Wessels is ruled out for the Springboks' fall fixtures.
South Africa front-rower Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over Connacht.
The altercation took place in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by striking the South African on the head.
Following Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was examined by the television match official, who found no conclusive video evidence.
The Bulls player stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the match.
Although the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:
"A player should not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals."
Disciplinary officials concluded that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under international rugby rules for such an violation.
However, Wessels' suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct during the hearing and his good record.
Wessels and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will rule the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.
He will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Northampton.
Wessels has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.
The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.
