South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.

The altercation happened in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting the South African on the head.

After Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was checked by the TMO, who found no definitive proof.

The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the match.

Although the URC confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was overturned by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which states:

"A player should not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

The panel concluded that the event met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.

Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, 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, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Saints.

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

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to play against Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.