Springboks Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Banned Nine Weeks Following Grope Allegation
A disciplinary panel has banned Springboks and Bulls forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels for nine weeks following accusations of inappropriate conduct during a United Rugby Championship match, despite the absence of “irrefutable visual confirmation” of the alleged incident. The decision, handed down by an independent panel, relied heavily on the testimony of Connacht flanker Josh Murphy and the citing commissioner, sparking debate over the standards of evidence in professional rugby.
The controversy stems from a clash between Wessels and Murphy during a URC match last week in Galway. Murphy accused Wessels of groping him, a claim that led to a physical altercation where Murphy struck the Bulls forward twice in the head. While referee Mike Adamson was unable to issue a sanction due to a lack of conclusive video evidence, the citing commissioner initiated a formal investigation.
According to a recording of the post-match discussion obtained exclusively by Planet Rugby, Murphy detailed the alleged assault. “I felt the player grab my testicles and that’s when I reacted immediately,” Murphy stated. “That’s what happened, that’s why I reacted because of how he grabbed and squeezed my testicles – I wouldn’t have reacted otherwise.”
The disciplinary panel acknowledged the lack of definitive video proof, with the citing commissioner admitting the live television feed was inconclusive. However, the commissioner maintained that a direct line of sight from approximately 20 meters away corroborated Murphy’s account. The commissioner’s report described the incident, noting that Wessels’ arm moved in an “unnatural, arc toward Murphy’s groin area,” a movement deemed “not consistent with any legitimate rucking, grasp or binding action.”
The report further detailed Murphy’s immediate reaction, stating he reacted with “visible and audible distress,” repeatedly exclaiming, “He grabbed me right here!” while gesturing to his groin. The commissioner concluded, “On the balance of probabilities… it is my firm belief that Vodacom Bulls No.2 Jan-Hendrik Wessels committed a serious act of foul play by grabbing and, as alleged, twisting the testicles.”
Despite the lack of irrefutable video evidence, the committee found Murphy’s testimony to be “credible,” while also acknowledging that the Connacht player had a vested interest in explaining his own red card offense. The panel ultimately determined that the available evidence “supports the evidence put forward by the Citing Commissioner and C6, rather than the Player [Wessels].” They also concluded that Wessels’ actions were “intentional.”
The Bulls have confirmed they will appeal the nine-week ban, which will see Wessels miss all five of the Springboks’ November internationals and the beginning of his club’s Investec Champions Cup campaign. To overturn the decision, the Bulls must demonstrate to the committee’s satisfaction that Wessels did not commit the alleged act. According to the judgment, “The burden is on that player… to demonstrate… that the Citing Commissioner’s complaint was wrong.”
However, the committee already determined that Wessels failed to meet this burden, stating they were “satisfied that the Player has not discharged the burden on him.” Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus will be hoping the appeal is successful, limiting the disruption to his team’s preparations.
This case has ignited a wider debate about the disciplinary processes within the URC, with many questioning the reliance on subjective interpretations in the absence of clear visual evidence. The incident underscores the challenges of officiating in a fast-paced, physical sport and the need for a robust and transparent disciplinary system.
