South African Player Wessels Receives Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa prop Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

The altercation took place in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head.

After Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the television match official, who found no definitive proof.

The Bulls player remained on the field until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have breached the code of conduct, which states:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, pulling or compressing the genitals."

The panel concluded that the contact reached the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, Italy and Ireland.

He will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning team over the summer.

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