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

South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

This event took place in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht 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 reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was checked by the television match official, who found no conclusive video evidence.

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

Although the URC confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which specifies:

"A player should not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or compressing the private areas."

The panel were satisfied that the event reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under international rugby regulations for such an offence.

However, Wessels' ban was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct during the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

The prop has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.