Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact
The player will miss for South Africa's autumn internationals.
South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.
The altercation occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head.
After Murphy complained to the match official, the situation was checked by the TMO, who concluded insufficient clear footage.
The Bulls player stayed on the field until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.
Although the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was overturned by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:
"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."
The panel were satisfied that the contact met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under international rugby rules for such an violation.
However, Wessels' suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.
Wessels and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.
Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.
The prop has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.
The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.
