Springbok Forward Wessels Handed Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa front-rower Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

The incident happened in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head area.

Following the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was reviewed by the television match official, who concluded no definitive proof.

The Bulls player remained on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the game.

While the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which specifies:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the event reached the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an infringement.

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

The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

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

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to play against Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.