Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.

The incident took place in the 18th minute of the narrow victory in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting the South African on the head area.

Following the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was reviewed by the television match official, who concluded no definitive proof.

The Bulls player stayed on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the match.

Although the URC confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have violated law 9.27, which specifies:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, pulling or compressing the private areas."

The panel concluded that the incident met the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the shortest ban under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.

However, Wessels' ban was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

He will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

Wessels has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.

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