Springbok Forward Wessels Handed Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

The incident occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head.

After the Connacht player complained to the match official, the situation was checked by the television match official, who found no definitive proof.

The Bulls player remained on the field until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.

Although the URC confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"A player should not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

The panel determined that the event reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

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

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to play against Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.