South African Forward Wessels Given Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine games for making contact with Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

The altercation occurred in the 18th minute of the narrow victory in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking the South African on the head area.

After Murphy complained to the match official, the event was checked by the television match official, who determined no conclusive video evidence.

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

While the URC confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the event met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under international rugby regulations for such an infringement.

However, the player's ban was reduced by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

Wessels has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.