Springbok Player Wessels Handed Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.

This event happened in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by striking Wessels on the head.

After the Connacht player reported the incident to the match official, the contact was checked by the TMO, who found insufficient clear footage.

The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the game.

While the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the event reached the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the shortest ban under World Rugby regulations for such an offence.

Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, Italy and Ireland.

He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.

Murphy, in contrast, is available to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.