Springboks Hit by Double Blow as Mapimpi and Wessels Receive Lengthy Bans
- The Springboks were hit hard as two of their key players received lengthy bans that will rule them out of action
- One of the suspensions is particularly controversial because it comes despite a lack of conclusive video evidence, leaving fans questioning the decision
- The Bulls have confirmed they will appeal the ruling, while the URC has yet to make an official statement, adding uncertainty to the team’s immediate plans
The Springboks suffered a major setback on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, as two of their star players were handed lengthy suspensions, ruling them out of action for upcoming matches.
Winger Makazole Mapimpi had already received a red card that led to his suspension, and the news was compounded when utility front rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels also faced disciplinary action.
Source: Getty Images
Wessels, who also plays for the Stormers, was reportedly involved in an incident during the 18th minute of the URC match between Connacht and the Bulls on Friday, 17 October. The incident had no conclusive video footage, yet, according to Rapport, the Springboks star has been handed a significant suspension.
The Bulls have since confirmed that they plan to appeal the ruling. While the URC has not yet released an official statement on the matter, rugby fans have been quick to voice their outrage online.
Wessels had been included in the Springboks training squad by head coach Rassie Erasmus on Monday, 20 October. If the suspension stands, he could be sidelined until 2026, leaving the team without another key player at a crucial time.
Rugby fans slam Wessels' suspension
The ruling has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with fans questioning the decision and defending the Springboks:
@DilligafDave01:
"Despite a lack of video evidence 🙄. It never ends with World Rugby, does it?"
@MrRobot55DSL:
"Guilty without evidence 🤔."
@Earthboycrypto:
"They hate the Springboks."
@cawoodpublish:
"Boks still have 4 World Cups."
@DarrylSaul79:
"Like Jan Hendrik-Wessels a lot, but what he did in that ruck is not sportsmanship! He is lucky to get away with it! If there was conclusive evidence… he was a goner! It was probably a further suspension as well!"
@WRosey9:
"Jan Hendrik Wessels got away with murder there! Proper dark arts. Bulls will take playing against 14 for the next 20 minutes 🤣🤣 #URC"
@MrRobot55DSL:
"And Jan Hendrik Wessels too 🙄."
@Sindisi27102872:
"Well done to the referee for not listening to the ridiculous TMO. He clearly strikes blows at Jan Hendrik Wessels."
Source: Getty Images
The Springboks now face a challenging period as they prepare for upcoming matches without two of their key players, with fans and analysts closely watching to see how the team will respond.
This isn’t the first time a Springboks star has faced disciplinary action in 2025. Earlier in the year, Jasper Wiese was given a lengthy suspension by World Rugby following a red card in the match against Italy in July.
Siya Kolisi ranked among the world’s highest-paid rugby players
Briefly News previously reported that Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has been named among the world’s top 10 highest-paid rugby players for the 2024/25 season.
The report by DashTickets.nz highlights the soaring international demand for South African rugby talent, particularly in Japan’s lucrative league.
Source: Briefly News
