South African Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

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

The incident occurred in the early stages of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by hitting Wessels on the head area.

Following the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was examined by the television match official, who determined no definitive proof.

The Bulls player remained on the field until he was substituted in the second half of the match.

While the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which states:

"Any athlete must not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes touching, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

The panel determined that the event reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an offence.

However, Wessels' ban was reduced by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and Ireland.

He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

Wessels has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

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