South African Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok prop Wessels has been suspended of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

This event took place in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head.

Following Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who concluded no definitive proof.

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

While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the incident met the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under international rugby rules for such an offence.

Nonetheless, the player's ban was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

He will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

Wessels has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team over the summer.

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