South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

The altercation took place in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head area.

Following Murphy complained to the match official, the contact was reviewed by the television match official, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

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

While the URC announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which states:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the event met the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under international rugby regulations for such an infringement.

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

The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Northampton.

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

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