Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine games for touching opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

The altercation took place in the 18th minute of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by hitting the South African on the head area.

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

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

Although the URC announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have breached the code of conduct, which declares: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. This includes grabbing, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the event met the red card threshold and justified a three-month ban, the minimum ban under international rugby regulations for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, the player's ban was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion team over the summer.

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to face Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.