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

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

The incident happened in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head.

After Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was checked by the television match official, who determined no definitive proof.

The Bulls player stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the match.

While the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, Wessels was found to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"A player should not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the incident reached the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under international rugby regulations for such an infringement.

However, Wessels' ban was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

He will also miss the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

Wessels has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team over the summer.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.