Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

The altercation took place in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking 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 stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the game.

While the URC confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which specifies:

"A player must not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or compressing the genitals."

The panel determined that the event met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest ban under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

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

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.

He will also miss the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Northampton.

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

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.