South African Forward Wessels Given Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

This event happened in the early stages of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking the South African on the head area.

Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the event was reviewed by the TMO, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

Wessels remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the game.

While the URC announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have breached law 9.27, which specifies:

"A player should not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby regulations for such an offence.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.

The prop has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion team over the summer.

Murphy, in contrast, is available to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.