WESSELS BANNED FOR 9 WEEKS
Bulls hooker Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been handed a nine-week suspension after grabbing Connacht forward Josh Murphy’s genitals during their United Rugby Championship clash last week.
The incident sparked outrage across social media, with even Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus commenting publicly. Murphy was shown a red card for his reaction, but after review, Wessels was cited for foul play under Law 9.27, which covers actions “against the spirit of good sportsmanship.”
A disciplinary panel found the offence serious enough to meet the red card threshold, setting an initial 12-week suspension.
That was reduced to nine weeks thanks to Wessels’ clean record and respectful conduct during the hearing.
The ban means Wessels will miss South Africa’s November Tests against Japan, France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales.
This is a major blow after being named in Erasmus’ latest Springbok squad. He’ll be eligible to return for the Bulls’ final fixture of 2025, a derby against the Stormers.
The Bulls can still appeal the decision, though the URC’s ruling seems definitive. The case has reignited debate about discipline and player conduct in the league, with many calling for greater consistency in how off-the-ball incidents are punished.
Image credit: Planet Rugby