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

Springbok front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine games for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

This event took place in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head area.

After the Connacht player complained to the match official, the situation was reviewed by the TMO, who concluded no definitive proof.

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

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was found to have violated law 9.27, which states:

"A player must not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the private areas."

The panel concluded that the event reached the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the shortest ban under international rugby regulations for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct during the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

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

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

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.