South African Player Wessels Given Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact
Wessels will miss for South Africa's autumn internationals.
Springbok front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for touching opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.
The altercation took place in the early stages of the narrow victory in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head.
After Murphy complained to the match official, the event was reviewed by the TMO, who found insufficient clear footage.
Wessels stayed on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the game.
Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which states:
"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or compressing the genitals."
The panel were satisfied that the incident met the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under international rugby regulations for such an infringement.
However, the player's ban was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.
The forward and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, France, Italy and Ireland.
Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.
Wessels has earned ten international appearances 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 this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.
