South African rugby player Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a nine-game suspension following a disciplinary hearing into his misconduct during a United Rugby Championship (URC) match against Connacht. The incident occurred during the Bulls’ 28-27 victory in Galway, when Wessels was caught grabbing the genitals of Connacht forward Josh Murphy.
The shocking act took place in the 18th minute, leading to an immediate reaction from Murphy, who struck Wessels on the head in retaliation. Murphy was initially handed a 20-minute red card under the URC’s new disciplinary rules. However, despite his complaint to referee Mike Adamson and the involvement of Television Match Official (TMO) Hollie Davidson, there was no clear footage available at the time, allowing Wessels to continue playing until he was substituted in the second half.
Following the match, the URC disciplinary committee revisited the incident using additional footage and reports from the citing commissioner. Wessels was charged under Law 9.27, which prohibits actions “contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship,” including any form of genital grabbing or twisting. The committee deemed the act to be of a serious nature, exceeding the threshold for a red card offence.
After careful consideration, the disciplinary panel initially determined that Wessels’ conduct warranted a 12-week suspension—the minimum penalty under World Rugby’s regulations for this type of offence. However, the suspension was reduced by three weeks due to his previously clean disciplinary record and cooperative behavior during the hearing. As a result, Wessels will serve a nine-match ban.
The suspension will see the 24-year-old hooker miss key fixtures for the Bulls, including URC clashes against Glasgow Warriors, the Lions, and Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games against Bordeaux and Northampton Saints. His absence will also rule him out of the Springboks’ upcoming autumn Test matches against Japan, France, Italy, and Ireland.
In contrast, Josh Murphy’s red card was rescinded after the panel ruled that his response, though physical, was provoked and understandable given the circumstances. He is now free to feature for Connacht in their next match against Munster.
Wessels and the Bulls retain the right to appeal the decision, but unless overturned, the suspension underscores rugby’s strict commitment to maintaining discipline, sportsmanship, and player welfare on the field.
