South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine games for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over Connacht.

This event took place in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head area.

Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the contact was examined by the television match official, who found no conclusive video evidence.

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

Although the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"A player should not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the event reached the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an offence.

However, Wessels' suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct during the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

He will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

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