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

Springbok front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.

The incident took place in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking Wessels on the head.

Following the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was checked by the TMO, who determined insufficient clear footage.

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

Although the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

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

Nonetheless, the player's ban was reduced by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will rule the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Saints.

The prop has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.

Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to face Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.