Wessels handed nine week ban after Connacht incident

Springboks and Bulls front rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has reportedly been suspended for nine weeks following an alleged incident during last Friday’s United Rugby Championship clash with Connacht.

The 22 year old, who can play at both prop and hooker, was accused of groping Connacht forward Josh Murphy during the match in Galway. No official citing was announced, but reports indicate that disciplinary authorities have since taken action, ruling Wessels out of the upcoming end of year series.

During the game, referee Mike Adamson and TMO Hollie Davidson reviewed the incident but were unable to find conclusive footage to support the accusation. Murphy was sent off for striking Wessels on the head, claiming it was in retaliation to inappropriate contact.

“He grabbed me here,” Murphy told the referee at the time, gesturing toward his lower body. “Sir, look at it back, he grabbed me here, I wouldn’t have done it otherwise.” Adamson responded that he would review the footage but noted that Murphy’s action remained unacceptable.

While further camera angles may have been reviewed since, the suspension has caused confusion given the lack of clear evidence during the match.

The decision comes on the same day that Makazole Mapimpi was handed a five week ban following his red card against Ulster. Both developments have drawn attention from within South African rugby, with national coach Rassie Erasmus posting on X shortly after the news broke, expressing his frustration at recent disciplinary outcomes.

Wessels’ suspension means he will miss the Bulls’ next several fixtures and be unavailable for Springbok selection during the end of year Tests.