Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

The altercation occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head area.

After Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was checked by the TMO, who found insufficient clear footage.

The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.

While the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have breached law 9.27, which specifies:

"A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the event reached the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

Wessels has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

Murphy, in contrast, is available to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.