Springbok Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

The altercation took place in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head area.

Following Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who found insufficient clear footage.

The Bulls player stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the match.

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have violated law 9.27, which states:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the private areas."

The panel were satisfied that the contact met the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the shortest ban under international rugby rules for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and the Irish team.

He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton.

The prop has earned ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

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