South African Player Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for touching opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.

This event occurred in the 18th minute of the narrow victory in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head area.

Following Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was examined by the television match official, who concluded insufficient clear footage.

Wessels stayed on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the match.

While the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have violated law 9.27, which states:

"A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the contact reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.

However, the player's ban was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct during the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but currently, the ban will prevent 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 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 tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

Murphy, in contrast, is available to play against Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.