Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok front-rower Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over Connacht.

This event happened in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head area.

After the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was examined by the TMO, who found no definitive proof.

Wessels remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.

While the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was found to have breached law 9.27, which states:

"A player must not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

The panel determined that the incident met the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under international rugby regulations for such an offence.

However, the player's suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

He will also miss the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

Wessels has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.