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

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

The altercation happened in the early stages of the narrow victory in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking the South African on the head.

After Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who concluded no definitive proof.

Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which states:

"A player must not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

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

However, the player's suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

He will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.