Springbok Forward Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for touching opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

The incident occurred in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head.

After the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was checked by the TMO, who found insufficient clear footage.

Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the match.

While the URC announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

"A player should not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

The panel were satisfied that the incident reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an offence.

Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

He will also miss the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton.

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

Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.