Springbok Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

The altercation happened in the early stages of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by hitting the South African on the head area.

After Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was checked by the TMO, who concluded insufficient clear footage.

The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the match.

Although the URC announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"A player should not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

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

However, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

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 Saints.

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

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