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

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

This event occurred in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by hitting Wessels on the head.

Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the event was reviewed by the television match official, who determined insufficient clear footage.

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

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have violated law 9.27, which specifies:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the contact met the red card threshold and justified a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

Wessels has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.