Bulls consider court action over Wessels ban
The Bulls are weighing up the possibility of challenging Jan-Hendrik Wessels’ eight-week suspension in an Irish court.
The 24-year-old prop was banned for allegedly grabbing Connacht flank Josh Murphy’s testicles during a URC clash in Galway.
Wessels denied the charge, and video footage of the incident was inconclusive.
The same disciplinary panel also rescinded Murphy’s red card for striking Wessels twice in the head, prompting widespread criticism.
An appeal led by Scottish chair Roddy MacLeod upheld the guilty verdict but reduced the ban from nine to eight weeks.
The Bulls are currently considering their options. A decision will be made between the Bulls, SA Rugby and MyPlayers,” a source told Rapport.
If the franchise proceeds, it could again enlist the services of Frank Clarke – Ireland’s former chief justice and a respected legal heavyweight – who assisted during Wessels’ failed appeal last week.
Wessels’ suspension will sideline him until 20 December, ruling him out of five Springbok Tests and costing him around R1.5-million in match fees.
According to Rapport, the Bulls may pursue legal action not only to recover lost income but also to protect the player’s reputation.
A potential court battle, though, could be lengthy and complex.
