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

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

The altercation took place in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head.

Following Murphy complained to the match official, the contact was examined by the television match official, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

The Bulls player remained on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the game.

Although the URC confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have breached law 9.27, which states:

"A player should not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the incident met the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

However, the player's ban was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct during the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and the Irish team.

He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

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

Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.