South African Player Wessels Given Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.

This event happened in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking Wessels on the head.

Following Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was reviewed 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 match.

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"A player should not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the incident met the red card threshold and justified a three-month ban, the shortest ban under international rugby regulations for such an infringement.

However, Wessels' suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Saints.

The prop has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion team over the summer.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.