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

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

This event happened in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking Wessels on the head area.

Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the event was examined by the television match official, who found no definitive proof.

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

Although the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the contact reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an offence.

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

The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

He will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

Wessels has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion team over the summer.

Murphy, in contrast, is available to play against Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.