Springbok Player Wessels Handed Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa prop Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for touching Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

This event took place in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head.

Following Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was reviewed by the TMO, who determined insufficient clear footage.

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

While the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"A player should not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the contact reached the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, Italy and the Irish team.

He will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Northampton.

The prop has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to face Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.