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

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

The incident took place in the early stages of the close contest in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting Wessels on the head.

Following Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was reviewed by the TMO, who found insufficient clear footage.

The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the game.

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was overturned by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

The panel determined that the contact reached the red card threshold and justified a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

However, the player's suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct during the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.

Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to play against Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.