Springbok Player Wessels Handed Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for touching Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.

The altercation happened in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head area.

Following the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was examined by the television match official, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

The Bulls player remained on the field until he was substituted in the second half of the match.

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was overturned by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which specifies:

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

The panel were satisfied that the incident met the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

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

The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will rule the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and Ireland.

He will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Northampton.

The prop has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

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