Springbok Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab
Wessels is ruled out for the Springboks' fall fixtures.
South Africa prop Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for making contact with Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.
The incident occurred in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking the South African on the head.
After the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was checked by the television match official, who concluded insufficient clear footage.
The Bulls player stayed on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the game.
Although the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:
"A player must not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or compressing the genitals."
The panel were satisfied that the event reached the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an offence.
Nonetheless, the player's suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the hearing and his good record.
Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.
Wessels will also miss the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Saints.
Wessels has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.
The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.
