South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok prop Wessels has received a ban of nine games for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

The altercation occurred in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking Wessels on the head.

After the Connacht player reported the incident to the match official, the contact was examined by the TMO, who determined insufficient clear footage.

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

While the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"A player should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the incident met the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

However, Wessels' suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but currently, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

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

Wessels has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.