South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for making contact with Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

This event took place in the 18th minute of the narrow victory against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head.

Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the event was reviewed by the television match official, who found insufficient clear footage.

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

While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"A player should not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials determined that the incident met the red card threshold and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, the player's ban was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct during the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but currently, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Saints.

Wessels has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.