Springbok Player Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab
Wessels is ruled out for the Springboks' autumn internationals.
South Africa prop Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over Connacht.
This event took place in the early stages of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking Wessels on the head.
After the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was examined by the TMO, who determined no conclusive video evidence.
Wessels stayed on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the match.
While the URC announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have violated law 9.27, which states:
"Any athlete should not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the private areas."
The panel were satisfied that the contact met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest ban under World Rugby rules for such an offence.
Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct during the hearing and his good record.
Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.
Wessels will also miss the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.
The prop has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.
Murphy, in contrast, is available to face Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.
