South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact

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

The incident 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 striking back by striking Wessels on the head area.

After Murphy complained to the match official, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who concluded insufficient clear footage.

The Bulls player stayed on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.

While the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which specifies:

"A player should not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the incident reached the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.

However, Wessels' ban was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but currently, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

Wessels has earned ten international appearances for South Africa and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.