Springbok Wessels given nine-game ban for genital grab

Jan-Hendrik Wessels, the Bulls’ United Rugby Championship front-rower, was given a nine-game suspension for grabbing Josh Murphy’s genitalia in the win over Connacht.

Connacht forward Murphy was sent a 20-minute red card after striking Wessels on the head in the 18th minute of the Bulls’ 28-27 victory in Galway on Friday.

Television match official (TMO) Hollie Davidson, who found no conclusive video evidence, reviewed the incident after Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson about Wessels.

Wessels did not start until he was substituted in the second half.

Wessels was found to have violated law 9.27, which states: “A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship,” despite the URC confirming Murphy’s 20-minute red card had been rescinded by a disciplinary panel. Performing this includes grabbing, twisting, or squeezing the genitalia.

The panel determined that the incident complied with World Rugby’s red card requirements and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban in the sport.

Wessels’ suspension, however, was reduced by three weeks as a result of the player’s “good conduct prior to and at the hearing and good record.”

The 24-year-old will not be allowed to play in the Springboks’ autumn Tests against Japan, France, Italy, and Ireland, but Wessels and the Bulls have the right to appeal.

Additionally, he won’t play in the Bulls’ URC matches against Glasgow, the Lions and Sharks, and the Investec Champions Cup encounters with Bordeaux and Northampton.

Wessels was a member of South Africa’s rugby championship-winning squad over the summer and has already won ten caps.