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

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

The altercation occurred in the early stages of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking the South African on the head.

After Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was reviewed by the TMO, who determined insufficient clear footage.

The Bulls player stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the match.

While the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

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

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the contact met the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby rules for such an infringement.

However, Wessels' ban was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

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

The prop has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.