Springbok Forward Wessels Handed Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.

The altercation took place in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head.

After the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was reviewed by the television match official, who found no definitive proof.

Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.

While the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, twisting or compressing the private areas."

The panel determined that the contact reached the red card threshold and justified a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

However, the player's suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but currently, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

Wessels has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.

Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.