South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine games for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

The incident took place in the early stages of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head.

After the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

Wessels remained on the field until he was substituted in the second half of the game.

While the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"A player should not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

The panel concluded that the event reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby rules for such an infringement.

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

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.

He will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

Wessels has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning team over the summer.

Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to play against Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.