Springbok Player Wessels Given Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

This event took place in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head area.

After the Connacht player complained to the match official, the situation was checked by the television match official, who determined no definitive proof.

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

While the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have violated law 9.27, which states:

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

The panel were satisfied that the event met the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under international rugby rules for such an offence.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and Ireland.

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

The prop has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

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