South African prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels will miss the next nine weeks of action after being sanctioned for inappropriate conduct during the Bulls’ 28-27 win over Connacht in Galway on Friday.
The 24-year-old front-rower grabbed the genitals of Connacht’s Josh Murphy in the 18th minute of the match. While Wessels was not penalised at the time, the United Rugby Championship’s independent disciplinary panel later ruled he breached Law 9.27 of World Rugby’s code, which prohibits actions against the spirit of good sportsmanship, including twisting, squeezing, or grabbing an opponent’s genitals.
Murphy, who struck Wessels twice in retaliation, was temporarily red-carded for 20 minutes during the match but will not face a suspension.
Wessels’ ban means he will miss key fixtures for the Springboks during the Autumn Internationals, including clashes against Japan, France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales, leaving South Africa short in the front row for the upcoming tour.
The decision underscores World Rugby’s continued crackdown on on-field misconduct and sets a precedent for disciplinary enforcement at the elite level.