Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

The incident occurred in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head.

After Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the event was examined by the television match official, who found insufficient clear footage.

Wessels remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."

The panel determined that the event met the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

However, the player's ban was reduced by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will rule the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and the Irish team.

He will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Saints.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning team over the summer.

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.