South African Forward Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.

The altercation occurred in the 18th minute of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking the South African on the head area.

Following the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was checked by the television match official, who determined no definitive proof.

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

While the URC confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was overturned by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"Any athlete must not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

The panel concluded that the event met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under World Rugby rules for such an offence.

However, the player's ban was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but currently, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

Wessels has won 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning team over the summer.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.