Springbok Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

The incident occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head.

Following Murphy complained to the match official, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof.

Wessels remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the game.

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"A player should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, twisting or compressing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the event reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an offence.

However, Wessels' suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.

He will also miss the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.

Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to play against Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.