Springbok Player Wessels Receives Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

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

Following Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the event was reviewed by the television match official, who found no conclusive video evidence.

Wessels remained on the field until he was substituted in the later stages of the match.

While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have breached the code of conduct, which states:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, pulling or compressing the private areas."

The panel were satisfied that the event reached the red card threshold and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under international rugby rules for such an offence.

However, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but currently, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Saints.

The prop has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to play against Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.