Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

The altercation happened in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head area.

After Murphy complained to the match official, the contact was reviewed 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 match.

Although the URC confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:

"A player must not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the contact reached the red card threshold and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

However, the player's ban was reduced by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and the Irish team.

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

The prop has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion team over the summer.

Murphy, in contrast, is available to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.