Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok front-rower Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over Connacht.

The altercation happened in the 18th minute of the narrow victory against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head.

Following Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the event was examined by the TMO, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

The Bulls player stayed on the field until he was substituted in the second half of the game.

While the URC announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.

However, Wessels' suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

Wessels has earned ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.

Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to play against Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.