Springbok Player Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab
Wessels will be unavailable for the Springboks' autumn internationals.
South Africa front-rower Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.
The incident took place in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by hitting the South African on the head.
After Murphy complained to the match official, the contact was checked by the television match official, who determined insufficient clear footage.
The Bulls player stayed on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.
While the URC announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have violated law 9.27, which declares:
"A player should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or compressing the genitals."
Disciplinary officials determined that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under international rugby rules for such an offence.
Nonetheless, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.
Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.
Wessels will also miss the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.
Wessels has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.
Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.
