Jan-Hendrik Wessels handed nine-game ban, misses Springboks Tests

Front-row forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended for nine consecutive matches, ruling him out of the South Africa’s upcoming autumn Test series.

The ban follows a disciplinary hearing which found Wessels guilty of an act of foul play under Law 9.27 during a Round 4 clash of the United Rugby Championship (URC).

The incident occurred during the game between the Vodacom Bulls and Connacht Rugby on October 17 in Galway.

The charge stemmed from an 18th-minute incident in which Wessels was cited for “grabbing, twisting or squeezing” an opponent’s genitals.

After reviewing the footage and commissioner’s report, the independent panel decided the red-card threshold was met.

The case began with the opponent receiving a red card for striking Wessels in reaction to the alleged contact. Although the on-field officials did not charge Wessels at the time, the retrospective process resulted in the nine-game ban, reduced from a starting point of 12 games due to the player’s prior good conduct.

The suspension means Wessels will be unavailable for selection for South Africa’s upcoming Test matches against Japan, France, Italy and Ireland, as well as several club and continental fixtures with the Bulls. The player and club retain the right to appeal the decision.