🔗 Share this article Springbok Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact Wessels will be unavailable for South Africa's fall fixtures. Springbok front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine games for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht. The altercation occurred in the 18th minute of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head. Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the situation was reviewed by the TMO, who found insufficient clear footage. The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the game. While the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated law 9.27, which specifies: "Any athlete must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas." Disciplinary officials determined that the event met the red card threshold and justified a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an offence. However, Wessels' suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record. The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team. He will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints. The prop has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament. The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.
Wessels will be unavailable for South Africa's fall fixtures. Springbok front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine games for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht. The altercation occurred in the 18th minute of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head. Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the situation was reviewed by the TMO, who found insufficient clear footage. The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the game. While the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated law 9.27, which specifies: "Any athlete must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas." Disciplinary officials determined that the event met the red card threshold and justified a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an offence. However, Wessels' suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record. The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team. He will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints. The prop has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament. The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.