Springbok Forward Wessels Handed Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.

The altercation happened in the early stages of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head.

After Murphy complained to the match official, the situation 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 match.

While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

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

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

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.

The prop has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.