JOHANNESBURG - Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels is headed back home after his appeal of a nine-match ban for groping an opponent failed.
The Bulls prop was given a one-week reduction on his ban for allegedly grabbing Connacht flanker Josh Murphy’s crotch.
The initial ban had caused uproar in the SA rugby fraternity.
This after matchday officials couldn’t find conclusive evidence to punish Wessels on the field.
The United Rugby Championship judicial committee dropped his ban to eight weeks.
However, the latest ruling means Wessels can not feature in the Springboks’ November Tour, which kicks off this weekend against Japan.
Wessels will only be available to play from 20 December.