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

South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

The incident took place in the 18th minute of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting Wessels on the head area.

After the Connacht player complained to the match official, the event was checked by the television match official, who determined no definitive proof.

Wessels remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.

Although the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, pulling or compressing the private areas."

The panel concluded that the event reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest ban under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

However, Wessels' suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his good record.

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 Japan, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

Murphy, in contrast, is available to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.