Springbok Forward Wessels Handed Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over Connacht.

This event occurred in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking Wessels on the head area.

Following the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was checked by the television match official, who concluded no definitive proof.

Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the match.

Although the URC confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was overturned by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have breached law 9.27, which states:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or compressing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the event met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

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

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

Wessels has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

Murphy, in contrast, is available to face Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.