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

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

The altercation happened in the early stages of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking the South African on the head area.

After the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was checked by the TMO, who found insufficient clear footage.

Wessels remained on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the game.

Although the URC announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

"A player must not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

The panel concluded that the contact reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

He will also miss the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

The prop has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

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