Springbok Forward Wessels Handed Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.

This event took place in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by hitting Wessels on the head area.

Following Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the situation was examined by the television match official, who concluded no definitive proof.

The Bulls player stayed on the field until he was substituted in the second half of the match.

While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials determined that the event met the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under international rugby regulations for such an infringement.

However, Wessels' ban was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct during the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will rule the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

He will also miss the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

The prop has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.