South African Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok prop Wessels has received a ban of nine games for touching opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

The incident occurred in the early stages of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head.

Following Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was reviewed by the TMO, who found no conclusive video evidence.

The Bulls player stayed on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the game.

While the URC announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials determined that the event reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under international rugby rules for such an infringement.

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

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but currently, the ban will rule the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.

The prop has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.

Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.