South African Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok prop Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

The altercation happened in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting the South African on the head.

After the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was checked by the television match official, who found insufficient clear footage.

The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the match.

Although the URC announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have breached the code of conduct, which states:

"A player must not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or compressing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest ban under international rugby rules for such an offence.

However, the player's suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct during the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and the Irish team.

He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.

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

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to face Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.