South African Forward Wessels Handed Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa prop Wessels has been suspended of nine games for making contact with Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

The incident took place in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head area.

Following the Connacht player reported the incident to the match official, the event was examined by the television match official, who determined no definitive proof.

The Bulls player remained on the field until he was substituted in the second half of the game.

While the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was found to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials determined that the event reached the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under international rugby rules for such an offence.

However, the player's ban was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but currently, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team over the summer.

Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.