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

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

The altercation took place in the early stages of the close contest in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking Wessels on the head area.

Following the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was reviewed by the TMO, who found no conclusive video evidence.

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

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

"Any athlete must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the event reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under World Rugby rules for such an infringement.

However, the player's ban was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and the Irish team.

He will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

Wessels has won 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

Murphy, in contrast, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.