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

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

This event occurred in the early stages of the narrow victory against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking Wessels on the head area.

Following the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was examined by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof.

The Bulls player stayed on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the match.

Although the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a governing body, Wessels was found to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, twisting or compressing the private areas."

The panel were satisfied that the event reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby regulations for such an infringement.

However, the player's suspension was reduced 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 prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.

He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Northampton.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion team over the summer.

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