South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

The altercation took place in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head area.

After the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was examined by the TMO, who concluded no definitive proof.

Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.

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

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the contact met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, the player's ban was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Saints.

The prop has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team over the summer.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.