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

Springbok prop Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for touching opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

The incident happened in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking Wessels on the head.

After the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the television match official, who concluded insufficient clear footage.

Wessels remained 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 disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which states:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the contact reached the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under international rugby rules for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

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

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.