Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

The incident took place in the early stages of the narrow victory in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking Wessels on the head area.

After Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof.

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While the URC announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the contact reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an offence.

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

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Saints.

The prop has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.