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

South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine games for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

The incident took place in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head area.

Following the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was checked by the TMO, who found insufficient clear footage.

The Bulls player remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was found to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

"A player should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

The panel determined that the incident reached the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby rules for such an offence.

Nonetheless, the player's ban was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

Wessels has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.

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