Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact

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

This event happened in the early stages of the narrow victory in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting Wessels on the head.

After Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was checked by the television match official, who concluded insufficient clear footage.

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

Although the URC announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was found to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

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

The panel were satisfied that the event reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby regulations for such an offence.

However, Wessels' suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

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