Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for touching opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

This event happened in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head area.

Following Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was examined by the TMO, who concluded insufficient clear footage.

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

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was overturned by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have breached the code of conduct, which states:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

The panel determined that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby rules for such an infringement.

However, Wessels' ban was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

He will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

The prop has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion team over the summer.

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.