🔗 Share this article Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab Wessels is ruled out for the Springboks' autumn internationals. Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban 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 altercation took place in the 18th minute of the narrow victory against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by hitting Wessels on the head area. After the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was examined by the TMO, who found insufficient clear footage. Wessels remained on the field until he was substituted in the later stages of the match. Although the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have breached the code of conduct, which states: "Any athlete should not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals." The panel determined that the contact reached the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under international rugby rules for such an infringement. Nonetheless, the player's ban was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record. Wessels and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will rule the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and Ireland. He will also miss the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Northampton. Wessels has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion team over the summer. Murphy, in contrast, is available to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.
Wessels is ruled out for the Springboks' autumn internationals. Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban 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 altercation took place in the 18th minute of the narrow victory against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by hitting Wessels on the head area. After the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was examined by the TMO, who found insufficient clear footage. Wessels remained on the field until he was substituted in the later stages of the match. Although the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have breached the code of conduct, which states: "Any athlete should not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals." The panel determined that the contact reached the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under international rugby rules for such an infringement. Nonetheless, the player's ban was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record. Wessels and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will rule the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and Ireland. He will also miss the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Northampton. Wessels has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion team over the summer. Murphy, in contrast, is available to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.