Springbok Player Wessels Receives Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for making contact with Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

This event took place in the early stages of the close contest in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting Wessels on the head area.

After the Connacht player complained to the match official, the situation was checked by the TMO, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

Wessels remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.

While the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the event reached the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under international rugby rules for such an violation.

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

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

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

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

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.