South African Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact

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

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 striking Wessels on the head area.

After the Connacht player reported the incident to the match official, the event was examined by the TMO, who concluded no definitive proof.

The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the game.

Although the URC confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the contact reached the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under international rugby regulations for such an offence.

Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

He will also miss the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Northampton.

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

Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to face Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.