🔗 Share this article Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Match Suspension for Genital Grab The player will miss for the Springboks' autumn internationals. South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province. The incident occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head. Following Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the contact was examined by the television match official, who determined insufficient clear footage. Wessels 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 overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have breached law 9.27, which states: "Any athlete must not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals." Disciplinary officials determined that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an offence. However, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record. Wessels and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but currently, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland. Wessels will also miss the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Saints. Wessels has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament. The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to face Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.
The player will miss for the Springboks' autumn internationals. South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province. The incident occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head. Following Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the contact was examined by the television match official, who determined insufficient clear footage. Wessels 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 overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have breached law 9.27, which states: "Any athlete must not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals." Disciplinary officials determined that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an offence. However, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record. Wessels and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but currently, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland. Wessels will also miss the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Saints. Wessels has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament. The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to face Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.