Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for touching Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

This event occurred in the early stages of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking Wessels on the head.

After Murphy complained to the match official, the event was examined by the television match official, who concluded no definitive proof.

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

While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was overturned by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"A player should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, pulling or compressing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under international rugby regulations for such an violation.

However, the player's suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

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