South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

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

Following the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who found no definitive proof.

The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.

While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:

"A player must not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, pulling or compressing the genitals."

The panel determined that the contact reached the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but currently, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.