South African Player Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok prop Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.

The incident happened in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head.

After the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was examined by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof.

Wessels remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.

Although the URC confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which states:

"A player must not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or compressing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the event met the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby rules for such an offence.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension 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 as it stands, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and the Irish team.

He will also miss the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

Wessels has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion team over the summer.

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