Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok prop Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.

The incident happened in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking Wessels on the head area.

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

The Bulls player stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.

Although the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, Wessels was found to have violated law 9.27, which states:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

The panel concluded that the incident reached the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the shortest ban under World Rugby regulations for such an offence.

However, Wessels' suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but currently, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

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

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

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to play against Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.