Springbok Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over Connacht.

The altercation took place in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking the South African on the head area.

Following the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was checked by the television match official, who concluded no definitive proof.

Wessels remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the match.

While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was overturned by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the contact reached the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under World Rugby rules for such an offence.

Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but currently, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

Wessels has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

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