South African Player Wessels Handed Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa prop Wessels has been suspended of nine games for touching opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.

This event occurred in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking Wessels on the head area.

Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the event was reviewed by the TMO, who determined insufficient clear footage.

Wessels remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the match.

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:

"A player should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the contact met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

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

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