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

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over Connacht.

The altercation happened in the early stages of the close contest in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head.

Following Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was examined by the television match official, who determined no definitive proof.

Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.

While the URC announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have breached law 9.27, which states: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 against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the event reached the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under World Rugby rules for such an offence.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Saints.

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

Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to face Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.