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

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

This event happened in the 18th minute of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by striking Wessels on the head.

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

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

While the URC announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:

"A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes touching, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

The panel determined that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an offence.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but currently, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

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

Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to play against Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.