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

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for touching opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

This event occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by hitting the South African on the head area.

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

The Bulls player stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the game.

While the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"Any athlete must not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby rules for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but currently, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion team over the summer.

Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.