South African Forward Wessels Given Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

This event took place in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking the South African on the head area.

After the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was checked by the television match official, who determined no definitive proof.

Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the match.

While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have breached law 9.27, which states:

"A player should not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the incident reached the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the shortest ban under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

However, Wessels' suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but currently, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.