Springbok Forward Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

The altercation occurred in the early stages of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by striking the South African on the head.

Following Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the event was checked by the television match official, who concluded insufficient clear footage.

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

Although the URC announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"A player should not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or compressing the private areas."

The panel were satisfied that the contact met the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

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

Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.