🔗 Share this article Springbok Forward Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact The player is ruled out for the Springboks' autumn internationals. Springbok front-rower Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over Connacht. This event occurred in the 18th minute 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 the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was reviewed by the TMO, who determined no conclusive video evidence. The Bulls player stayed on the field until he was substituted in the second half of the match. While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which declares: "Any athlete should not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or squeezing the genitals." Disciplinary officials determined that the event reached the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an offence. However, Wessels' ban was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history. The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team. He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton. The prop has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament. The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.
The player is ruled out for the Springboks' autumn internationals. Springbok front-rower Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over Connacht. This event occurred in the 18th minute 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 the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was reviewed by the TMO, who determined no conclusive video evidence. The Bulls player stayed on the field until he was substituted in the second half of the match. While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which declares: "Any athlete should not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or squeezing the genitals." Disciplinary officials determined that the event reached the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an offence. However, Wessels' ban was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history. The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team. He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton. The prop has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament. The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.