Bulls and Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been found guilty of “grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals” by a URC disciplinary panel.
The incident occurred in the 18th minute of the match between Connacht and the Bulls when Connacht flank Josh Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson.
There was no conclusive video evidence for the match officials, though, and Wessels remained on the field with Murphy red-carded for retaliation.
However, the citing commissioner in charge reported Wessels, for an act of foul play under Law 9.27 – A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals.
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The panel overseeing the disciplinary process Declan Goodwin (chairman, Wales), Simon Thomas (Wales) and Leah Thomas (Wales) were satisfied that an act of foul play had occurred and found the incident met the red card threshold, with entry of low-end warranting a 12 week suspension.
The panel reduced the suspension by three weeks (25% mitigation) due to the player’s good conduct prior to and at the hearing and good record which results in a nine-game suspension.
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Josh Murphy red card for Connacht against Blue Bulls.
Was there a bit of ball grabbing before? #URC pic.twitter.com/BasUkyolXD
— Darren (@SaffasRugby) October 20, 2025