Springbok Player Wessels Given Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok front-rower Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

This event occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by hitting Wessels on the head.

Following the Connacht player reported the incident to the match official, the situation was checked by the television match official, who found no definitive proof.

Wessels remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the match.

While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which specifies:

"A player should not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."

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

Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

The prop has won 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.