South African Forward Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact
Wessels is ruled out for the Springboks' upcoming test matches.
Springbok prop Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.
The altercation took place in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking the South African on the head area.
Following Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was reviewed by the TMO, who found no conclusive video evidence.
The Bulls player stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.
While the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have breached the code of conduct, which states:
"A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or squeezing the private areas."
The panel determined that the contact met the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under international rugby regulations for such an offence.
However, Wessels' suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.
The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old 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 Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton.
Wessels has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.
Murphy, meanwhile, is available to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.
