Springbok Forward Wessels Handed Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine games for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

The altercation took place in the early stages of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head.

After Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was checked by the TMO, who found no definitive proof.

Wessels remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the game.

While the URC announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

"A player should not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the contact met the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby rules for such an violation.

However, Wessels' suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will rule the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.

Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.