South African Forward Wessels Given Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

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

The incident took place in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking the South African on the head.

Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the situation was reviewed by the television match official, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

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

While the URC announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which states:

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

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the event reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest ban under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

However, Wessels' ban was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will rule the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

He will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

Wessels has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.