It is official: Bulls forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been found guilty of an act of foul play in last week’s match against Connacht and suspended for nine weeks.
The Bulls have yet to decide if they are going to appeal the verdict.
On Thursday afternoon, the United Rugby Championship disciplinary division released the following statement to the media:
“The disciplinary process related to Jan-Hendrik Wessels’ citing in the United Rugby Championship Round 4 game against Connacht Rugby on Friday, October 17, has resulted in a nine-game suspension.
“The Citing Commissioner in charge reported Bulls player No 2 (Jan-Hendrik Wessels) for an act of foul play in the 18th minute 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.
“The panel overseeing the disciplinary process — Declan Goodwin (Chair, 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 an entry point 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 before and at the hearing, and his good record, resulting in a nine-game suspension.
“The player and the club have the right to appeal.”
Fixtures Jan-Hendrik Wessels is unavailable for:
Glasgow Warriors v Bulls, October 24, URC
South Africa v Japan, November 1, Outgoing Tour
France v South Africa, November 8, Quilter Nations Series
Italy v South Africa, November 15, Quilter Nations Series
Ireland v South Africa, November 22, Quilter Nations Series
Bulls v Lions, November 29, URC
Bulls v Bordeaux Begles, December 6, Investec Champions Cup
Northampton Saints v Bulls, December 14, Investec Champions Cup
Sharks v Bulls, December 20 2025
