Springbok Player Wessels Receives Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

The altercation happened in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by striking Wessels on the head area.

Following the Connacht player reported the incident to the match official, the situation was reviewed by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof.

The Bulls player remained on the field until he was substituted in the later stages of the match.

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:

"A player should not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under international rugby regulations for such an offence.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but currently, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

He will also miss the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

Wessels has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning team over the summer.

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