Possible Wessels ban has Rassie fuming

NEWS: Another Springbok is in hot water and could face a lengthy ban despite no video evidence of any wrongdoing, prompting Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus to fire shots at officials on social media.

Following hot on the heels of the five-match ban to Sharks wing Makazole Mapimpi, Bulls utility forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels is awaiting the outcome of a hearing that took place on Sunday following an incident involving Connacht flank Josh Murphy.

Speculation was rife in media circles on Wednesday that the Bulls hooker has been handed a nine-match suspension, but the United Rugby Championship has not made any official statement on the matter.

The incident occurred in the 18th minute of the game between Connacht and the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship.

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.

With the limited footage available, the question is whether the disciplinary committee will rule against the 24-year-old Wessels by simply accepting the accusation of an opposing player.

Following the rumours of the ‘ban’, Erasmus made a comment on the social platform X early on Thursday morning, lambasting officials in South African slang meaning “Go, man!” or “Get out of here, man!”.

It just got tougher !! We now have to beat them on the field. and in the boardrooms. Hamba man. Tsek. Loop Kak

— Johan Erasmus (@RassieRugby) October 23, 2025

Former Irish referee boss Owen Doyle has also slammed Adamson for the way he handled the incident

The Bulls are allegedly expected to appeal the ruling once it has been confirmed.