Springbok Forward Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa front-rower Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over Connacht.

This event happened in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head area.

After the Connacht player reported the incident to the match official, the situation was checked by the television match official, who determined insufficient clear footage.

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

Although the URC announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"A player must not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the event met the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an offence.

However, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but currently, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

He will also miss the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C 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 Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.

Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to face Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.