South African Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa front-rower Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.

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

After Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the television match official, who concluded no definitive proof.

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

While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the incident reached the red card threshold and justified a three-month ban, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an offence.

However, Wessels' ban was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.

He will also miss the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has earned ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion team over the summer.

Murphy, in contrast, is available to play against Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.