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

Springbok prop Wessels has been suspended of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

This event took place in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking Wessels on the head.

After the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was examined by the television match official, who determined no definitive proof.

Wessels remained on the field until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.

While the URC announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which states:

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

The panel determined that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an offence.

However, Wessels' ban was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but currently, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and Ireland.

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

The prop has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.

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