South African Forward Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab
The player is ruled out for South Africa's upcoming test matches.
South Africa prop Wessels has been suspended of nine games for touching opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.
This event took place in the 18th minute of the narrow victory against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting Wessels on the head.
Following Murphy complained to the match official, the contact was reviewed by the television match official, who found insufficient clear footage.
The Bulls player remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.
Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:
"A player should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals."
Disciplinary officials concluded that the contact met the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.
However, Wessels' suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.
The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but currently, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.
Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Glasgow, 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 part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.
The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to face Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.
