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

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

The incident took place in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting the South African on the head.

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

The Bulls player remained on the field until he was substituted in the later stages of the match.

While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

"Any athlete must not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes touching, twisting or compressing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under international rugby rules for such an violation.

However, Wessels' ban was shortened by 21 days 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 suspension will rule the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

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

Wessels has won 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 face Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.