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

South Africa front-rower Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

This event took place in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking Wessels on the head.

After Murphy complained to the match official, the event was checked by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof.

Wessels remained 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 overturned by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"A player must not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the event reached the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

However, the player's suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

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

Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to play against Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.