Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok prop Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over Connacht.

The incident happened in the early stages of the narrow victory against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking Wessels on the head.

After the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was examined by the television match official, who determined insufficient clear footage.

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

While the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which specifies:

"A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the event met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under international rugby rules for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, the player's ban was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

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