Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

The incident took place in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head area.

After the Connacht player complained to the match official, the situation was checked by the television match official, who found no definitive proof.

The Bulls player 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 disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have breached the code of conduct, which specifies:

"Any athlete must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."

The panel concluded that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under international rugby regulations for such an violation.

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

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.

The prop has earned ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to play against Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.