Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa prop Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for touching opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

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

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

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

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:

"A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

The panel concluded that the contact reached the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under international rugby regulations for such an offence.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will rule the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Saints.

The prop has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

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