Springbok Player Wessels Handed Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

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

This event happened in the 18th minute of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking Wessels on the head.

Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the contact was checked by the television match official, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

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

While the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, Wessels was found to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:

"Any athlete must not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest ban under international rugby regulations for such an violation.

However, the player's suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Saints.

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

Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.