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

Springbok front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

The altercation happened in the early stages of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking the South African on the head area.

Following Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was checked by the TMO, who determined insufficient clear footage.

The Bulls player stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:

"A player must not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the incident reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under international rugby rules for such an violation.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels 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 Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to face Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.