South African Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa prop Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

The incident occurred in the early stages of the narrow victory in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head.

Following the Connacht player reported the incident to the match official, the situation was checked by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof.

Wessels remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.

Although the URC confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was overturned by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have breached law 9.27, which states:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, pulling or compressing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the contact met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct during the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will rule the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, 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 Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

Wessels has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to play against Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.