South African Player Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine games for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.

This event occurred in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by hitting Wessels on the head.

Following Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof.

Wessels stayed on the field until he was substituted in the second half of the match.

While the URC announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the contact met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby regulations for such an violation.

Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton.

The prop has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team over the summer.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to play against Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.