South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok prop Wessels has been suspended of nine games for making contact with Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

This event occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking Wessels on the head area.

Following Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was examined by the TMO, who concluded insufficient clear footage.

The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the match.

While the URC confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was overturned by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

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

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the contact reached the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under World Rugby rules for such an offence.

Nonetheless, the player's ban was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct during the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, France, Italy and Ireland.

He will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.

The prop has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to play against Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.