Springbok Forward Wessels Given Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

The incident took place in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting Wessels on the head.

After Murphy complained to the match official, the event was reviewed by the television match official, who determined insufficient clear footage.

Wessels remained on the field until he was substituted in the second half of the game.

While the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have breached the code of conduct, which states:

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

The panel were satisfied that the event met the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under international rugby regulations for such an offence.

However, Wessels' suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Northampton.

The prop has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning team over the summer.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.