Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

The altercation happened in the 18th minute of the narrow victory in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head.

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

The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.

While the URC confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the incident met the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

However, the player's suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will rule 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 his club's URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.

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