Springbok Forward Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for touching Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

The incident took place in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting the South African on the head.

After Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who found insufficient clear footage.

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

Although the URC announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:

"A player must not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the contact met the red card threshold and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under World Rugby rules for such an offence.

However, Wessels' ban was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton.

The prop has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team over the summer.

Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.