Springbok Player Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.

The incident took place in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head area.

After Murphy complained to the match official, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who concluded insufficient clear footage.

The Bulls player stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.

Although the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was overturned by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

The panel determined that the contact met the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under international rugby rules for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton.

Wessels has won 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning team over the summer.

Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to face Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.