South African Forward Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

This event took place in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking the South African on the head area.

After Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the situation was examined by the television match official, who found no definitive proof.

Wessels remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.

While the URC confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or compressing the private areas."

The panel were satisfied that the event reached the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

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 Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, Italy and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

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

Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to play against Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.