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

Springbok front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over Connacht.

This event took place in the 18th minute of the narrow victory against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head.

Following Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was examined by the TMO, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

Wessels remained on the field until he was substituted in the second half of the match.

Although the URC announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the event met the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the shortest ban under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

However, the player's ban was shortened 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 rule the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

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

Wessels has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.

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