PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 05: Jan-Hendrik Wessels of the Springboks in action during the 2025 Castle Lager Incoming Series match between South Africa and Italy at Loftus Versfeld on July 05, 2025 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Anton Geyser/Gallo Images)
Springbok utility forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels has reportedly been banned for nine matches for grabbing the genitals of an opponent during the Bulls’ United Rugby Championship match against Connacht last weekend.
According to Rapport, sources say the decision was made despite conclusive video footage. The Bulls are expected to appeal the decision.
If the suspension remains, Wessels will be unavailable for the Bulls’ next match against Glasgow in Scotland on Friday, as well as the five Springbok Tests taking place in November’s Outgoing Tour, and then a further three Bulls matches in the URC and Champions Cup.
Wessels in trouble
Apparently, Connacht loose forward Josh Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson that Wessels had grabbed his genitals at a breakdown around the 18th minute.
The incident dampens an important away win for the bulls (score 28-27 in Galway) after the side conceded 14 tries and 99 points in total in their first three games, drawing harsh criticism from their president.
The win lifted the Bulls from sixth to second on the URC table.
Questions have been sent to the Bulls regarding the incident and this article will be updated accordingly.
Mapimpi also suspended for five matches
This comes after Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi copped his own five-game suspension for a tip-tackle.
The incident, occurring during the Sharks’ 34-26 loss to Ulster in Durban, featured Mapimpi’s third red card in three years. The other two were due to eye-gouging incidents in 2023 and January this year.
His six-match suspension was downgraded to five matches after he acknowledged foul play.
About the Author
