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

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

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

Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the situation was checked by the TMO, who found insufficient clear footage.

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

While the URC confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which specifies:

"A player should not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials determined that the event reached the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and the Irish team.

He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.