Jan-Hendrik Wessels saga takes another turn
NEWS: After days of waiting, Springbok forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels and the Bulls finally got a chance to challenge the nine-week suspension that has caused a massive stir in the rugby fraternity.
Wessels was suspended for nine weeks for acts “against the spirit of good sportsmanship” of the game, the United Rugby Championship confirmed last week.
The Bulls forward has been accused of testicle grabbing during his team’s 28-27 win over Connacht in Galway on Friday, October 17.
Connacht flank Josh 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.
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Murphy accused Wessels of testicle grabbing, but there was no conclusive evidence for the match officials to review.
Deliberation with TMO Hollie Davidson also 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, the citing official disagreed with the referee and opted to cite Wessels, consequently issuing a nine-week ban.
Wessels appealed the outcome of the URC suspension, and his hearing was held on Wednesday.
In the appeal hearing chaired by Scotland’s Roddy MacLeod, alongside Achille Reali (Italy) and Robert Milligan KC (Scotland), the Bulls requested a de novo hearing (a complete retrial). However, the panel ruled there were no “exceptional circumstances” to allow it.
Instead, the case was reviewed on the basis of whether the initial panel had erred in its findings or in the length of the ban. The committee ultimately dismissed most of the Bulls’ arguments but decided to slightly reduce Wessels’ suspension, meaning he will now miss eight matches and be free to play again from December 20.
The URC said both the original and appeal reports will be published in due course but confirmed the matter is now closed.
Fixtures Jan-Hendrik Wessels is unavailable for:
November 1: South Africa v Japan (Outgoing Tour)
November 8: France v South Africa (Nations Series)
November 15: Italy v South Africa (Nations Series)
November 22: Ireland v South Africa (Nations Series)
November 29 Bulls v Lions (URC)/ Wales v South Africa (international friendly)
December 6: Bulls v Bordeaux Begles (Champions Cup)
December 14: Northampton Saints v Bulls (Champions Cup)
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