South African Player Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over Connacht.

The altercation took place in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking Wessels on the head area.

Following Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was examined by the TMO, who determined no conclusive video evidence.

The Bulls player stayed on the field until he was substituted in the later stages of the match.

Although the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the contact met the red card threshold and justified a three-month ban, the minimum ban under international rugby rules for such an offence.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.