South African Forward Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact
Wessels will miss for South Africa's fall fixtures.
South Africa prop Wessels has been suspended of nine games for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.
This event took place in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking Wessels on the head.
After the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was examined by the television match official, who determined no conclusive video evidence.
The Bulls player stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.
Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:
"A player should not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the private areas."
Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the event reached the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under international rugby regulations for such an offence.
However, Wessels' ban was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.
The forward and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.
He will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton.
The prop has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.
The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to face Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.
