Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa prop Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.

This event took place in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head area.

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

Wessels remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the match.

While the URC announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which states:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the incident met the red card threshold and justified a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an offence.

Nonetheless, the player's ban was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and Ireland.

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

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

The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to play against Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.