Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

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

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

Following Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the television match official, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

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

Although the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was overturned by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"A player must not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the incident met the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

However, the player's ban was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but currently, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

He will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

The prop has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion team over the summer.

Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to face Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.