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

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

This event took place in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking Wessels on the head.

Following Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was reviewed by the television match official, who concluded no definitive proof.

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

Although the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have violated law 9.27, which states:

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

The panel concluded that the contact reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.

However, Wessels' suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Saints.

The prop has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.