Springbok Forward Wessels Given 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 win over Connacht.

This event happened in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head.

After Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was examined by the TMO, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

Wessels remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.

Although the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have breached the code of conduct, which states:

"A player must not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes touching, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

The panel concluded that the incident reached the red card threshold and justified a three-month ban, the shortest ban under World Rugby rules for such an offence.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

He will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Saints.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.

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