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

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for touching opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

The incident took place in the early stages of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking the South African on the head area.

After Murphy complained to the match official, the situation was checked by the TMO, who found no definitive proof.

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

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the event reached the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under international rugby rules for such an violation.

However, Wessels' suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct during the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but currently, the suspension will rule the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.

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