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

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

The altercation occurred in the early stages of the close contest in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by striking the South African on the head.

Following the Connacht player reported the incident to the match official, the contact was checked by the TMO, who concluded no definitive proof.

The Bulls player stayed on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"A player must not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the event reached the red card threshold and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under international rugby rules for such an violation.

Nonetheless, the player's ban was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, Italy and the Irish team.

He will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

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

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to face Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.