Springbok Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact
The player will miss for South Africa's upcoming test matches.
Springbok front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over Connacht.
The altercation took place in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head.
Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the event was examined by the television match official, who concluded insufficient clear footage.
The Bulls player stayed on the field until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.
While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which states:
"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, pulling or compressing the genitals."
Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under international rugby regulations for such an violation.
However, the player's ban was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.
The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and the Irish team.
He will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.
The prop has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion team over the summer.
The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.