Overview
- An independent appeal committee dismissed the substantive grounds of Jan-Hendrik Wessels’ appeal and declined a de novo hearing for lack of exceptional circumstances.
- The suspension was reduced by one week on the basis that the original mitigation from the 12‑week entry point did not fully account for an aspect of the player’s conduct.
- Wessels is now suspended for eight matches and is eligible to return on 20 December.
- The United Rugby Championship will publish the written reports from both the initial hearing and the appeal and says the matter is closed.
- The case stems from an allegation that Wessels grabbed Connacht flanker Josh Murphy’s genitals on 17 October, which was not sanctioned on-field after inconclusive TMO footage, while Murphy’s in-game red card for retaliation was later overturned.