'Grabbing, twisting or squeezing': URC reveal statement on Bok's huge ban

UPDATE: The outcome of Jan-Hendrik Wessels’ disciplinary hearing has officially been released.

The United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Springbok has received a nine-match ban for grabbing Josh Murphy’s testicles during the Bulls’ 28-27 win over Connacht in Galway last weekend.

In a statement released on Thursday, the panel overseeing the disciplinary process “were satisfied that an act of foul play had occurred and found the incident met the Red Card threshold”.

The incident occurred in the 18th minute of the game. Murphy and Wessels became entangled at the breakdown. As they went to ground, Murphy lashed out twice, prompting referee Mike Adamson, who was standing directly in front of them, to blow his whistle.

Murphy accused Wessels of testicle grabbing, but there was no conclusive evidence for the match officials to review. Deliberation with TMO Hollie Davidson did not yield any confirmation of the alleged claim.

Adamson then issued a 20-minute red card to Murphy, with Wessels remaining on the field.

However, Wessels has now been punished six days later.

He won’t play in the Bulls’ final tour match against Glasgow, as well as the Springboks’ upcoming fixtures in November.

He will also miss the Bulls’ Champions Cup opener against title holders Bordeaux Begles in December.

See the URC’s full statement below:

The Disciplinary process related to Jan-Hendrik Wessels citing in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship Round 4 game against Connacht Rugby on Friday, October 17 has resulted in a nine game suspension.

The Citing Commissioner in charge reported Vodacom Bulls player No 2 (Jan-Hendrik Wessels), for an act of foul play in the 18th minute under Law 9.27 – A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals.

The Panel overseeing the disciplinary process Declan Goodwin (Chair, Wales), Simon Thomas (Wales) and Leah Thomas (Wales) were satisfied that an act of foul play had occurred and found the incident met the Red Card threshold, with entry of low-end warranting a 12 week suspension. The Panel reduced the suspension by three weeks (25% mitigation) due to the Player’s good conduct prior to and at the hearing and good record which results in a nine game suspension.

Fixtures Jan-Hendrik Wessels is unavailable for:

Glasgow Warriors v Bulls, 24 October 2025, URC
South Africa v Japan, 1 November 2025, Outgoing Tour
France v South Africa, 8 November 2025, Nations Series
Italy v South Africa, 15 November 2025, Nations Series
Ireland v South Africa, 22 November 2025, Nations Series
Bulls v Lions, 29 November 2025 URC
Bulls v Bordeaux Begles, 6 December 2025, Champions Cup
Northampton Saints v Bulls, 14 December 2025, Champions Cup