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

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.

The altercation took place in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head.

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

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

Although the URC confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"A player should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

The panel were satisfied that the contact reached the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the shortest ban under international rugby regulations for such an offence.

However, Wessels' suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.