Springboks Dealt Major Blow For End Of Year Tour

Following news that Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi will be suspended for five weeks, the four-time World Champions were dealt a further blow to their end-of-year tour as front rower Jan Hendrik Wessels was reportedly handed a lengthy suspension.

Wessels, unique for his ability to play as a prop and hooker, playing for the Bulls against Connacht in a United Rugby Championship game, was involved in an incident with loose forward Josh Murphy in the 18th minute, where he was accused of grabbing Murphy’s genital area. 

In retaliation, Murphy struck the Bulls player on the head and was given a red card by referee Mike Adamson. 

“He grabbed me there, look at it back, he grabbed me there, I wouldn’t have done it otherwise,” Murphy exclaimed as he gestured to his nether region. 

Despite Adamson and match TMO Hollie Davidson ruling that the evidence was inconclusive upon review, a disciplinary hearing apparently found Wessels guilty of foul play despite the absence of conclusive footage. 

Wessels was reportedly given a nine-week suspension by the judicial committee. 

This drew the attention and ire of Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus as he took to social media to vent his frustration.

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

It has been reported that the ban will be appealed, but if dismissed, Wessels will miss multiple games for both the Bulls and the Springboks Autumn Nations Series.

Article by Riaz Hamed