Springbok Player Wessels Handed Nine-Match Ban 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' URC victory over Connacht.

This event occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking the South African on the head.

Following the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was examined by the TMO, who found no definitive proof.

Wessels stayed on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:

"A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the event reached the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under World Rugby rules for such an infringement.

However, Wessels' suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team 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 the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

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

Wessels has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.