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URC Confirms Nine‑Match Ban for Springbok Jan‑Hendrik Wessels Over Genital‑Grabbing Incident

The decision rules him out of South Africa’s five November Tests.

Overview

  • A URC disciplinary panel found Wessels’ act met the red‑card threshold under Law 9.27 and reduced an initial 12‑week entry point to a nine‑game suspension for mitigation.
  • He is unavailable until after 20 December, with listed absences including Glasgow away and Tests against Japan, France, Italy, Ireland and Wales.
  • The Bulls retain the right to appeal, and coach Johan Ackermann said the club has adapted selection plans after confirming Wessels would have featured against Glasgow.
  • Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus criticised the outcome on X, and a separate five‑match ban for Makazole Mapimpi further tightens national depth options.
  • Match officials reported no conclusive video at the time as the TMO lacked full angles, and Josh Murphy’s 20‑minute red card for retaliation has since been rescinded.