South African Forward Wessels Handed Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

This event happened in the 18th minute of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head area.

Following Murphy complained to the match official, the situation was reviewed by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof.

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

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have breached the code of conduct, which specifies:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the event met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under international rugby rules for such an violation.

However, the player's suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but currently, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Saints.

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

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.