Springbok Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa prop Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.

The altercation happened in the early stages of the narrow victory in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head area.

Following Murphy complained to the match official, the contact was examined by the television match official, who determined insufficient clear footage.

Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the game.

While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have breached the code of conduct, which states:

"A player must not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under World Rugby rules for such an offence.

However, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

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

Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.