South African Forward Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact
Wessels will miss for South Africa's fall fixtures.
Springbok prop Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.
The incident occurred in the 18th minute of the narrow victory against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head area.
After Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the television match official, who concluded no definitive proof.
Wessels stayed on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.
Although the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have breached the code of conduct, which states:
"A player should not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, pulling or compressing the private areas."
The panel determined that the incident reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest ban under international rugby regulations for such an infringement.
Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his good record.
The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.
Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.
The prop has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.
The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.