In a twist that sounds more like a courtroom drama than a rugby match, Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been slapped with a nine-week ban, courtesy of some eyebrow-raising “evidence” and dramatic testimonies. Despite the referee and his TMO team seeing no clear foul play during the game, the URC disciplinary committee decided to side with the rather vivid account of Connacht's Josh Murphy and the eagle-eyed citing commissioner.
During the clash in Galway, Murphy alleged a rather uncomfortable encounter on the field, claiming,
"I felt the player grab my testicles and that’s when I reacted immediately. That’s why I reacted, because of how he grabbed and squeezed my testicles – I wouldn’t have reacted otherwise."
The citing commissioner, stationed 20 meters away with a supposedly clear view, condemned Wessels' arm movement as "unnatural" and completely uncalled for in the ruck.
The report elaborated on this, noting, "The movement of Wessels’ left arm, away from his body and toward Murphy’s groin, is not only unnatural but also unnecessary in the context of ruck engagement. His backward glance further suggests awareness." This detailed observation, paired with Murphy's "immediate and unmistakable" reaction, convinced the committee they had enough to red card Wessels post-match.
To bolster their decision, the committee presented three still images: Wessels' incriminating arm position, Murphy's pained reaction, and the subsequent scuffle that ensued. Despite Murphy's own red card looming over his testimony, the committee found his account "credible."
The Bulls, clearly not thrilled with this narrative, are gearing up to appeal the suspension. This ban sidelines Wessels for the entirety of the Springboks' November tour and the start of the Bulls’ Champions Cup adventure. They're now tasked with proving the hooker’s innocence against what has been framed as a rather cheeky move on the field.
The drama off the pitch is almost as intense as on it, and the Bulls find themselves needing a Hail Mary to tackle this judicial ruck.
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In a twist that sounds more like a courtroom drama than a rugby match, Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been slapped with a nine-week ban, courtesy of some eyebrow-raising “evidence” and dramatic testimonies. Despite the referee and his TMO team seeing no clear foul play during the game, the URC disciplinary committee decided to side with the rather vivid account of Connacht's Josh Murphy and the eagle-eyed citing commissioner.
During the clash in Galway, Murphy alleged a rather uncomfortable encounter on the field, claiming,
"I felt the player grab my testicles and that’s when I reacted immediately. That’s why I reacted, because of how he grabbed and squeezed my testicles – I wouldn’t have reacted otherwise."
The citing commissioner, stationed 20 meters away with a supposedly clear view, condemned Wessels' arm movement as "unnatural" and completely uncalled for in the ruck.The report elaborated on this, noting, "The movement of Wessels’ left arm, away from his body and toward Murphy’s groin, is not only unnatural but also unnecessary in the context of ruck engagement. His backward glance further suggests awareness." This detailed observation, paired with Murphy's "immediate and unmistakable" reaction, convinced the committee they had enough to red card Wessels post-match.
To bolster their decision, the committee presented three still images: Wessels' incriminating arm position, Murphy's pained reaction, and the subsequent scuffle that ensued. Despite Murphy's own red card looming over his testimony, the committee found his account "credible."
The Bulls, clearly not thrilled with this narrative, are gearing up to appeal the suspension. This ban sidelines Wessels for the entirety of the Springboks' November tour and the start of the Bulls’ Champions Cup adventure. They're now tasked with proving the hooker’s innocence against what has been framed as a rather cheeky move on the field.
The drama off the pitch is almost as intense as on it, and the Bulls find themselves needing a Hail Mary to tackle this judicial ruck.