Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine games for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

The altercation occurred in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head area.

After the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the television match official, who found no conclusive video evidence.

The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.

Although the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have breached law 9.27, which states:

"Any athlete must not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the contact reached the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the shortest ban under World Rugby rules for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, the player's ban was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, France, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Northampton.

The prop has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.