Springbok Player Wessels Handed Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok prop Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for touching opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

This event occurred in the 18th minute of the narrow victory in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by hitting Wessels on the head area.

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

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

Although the URC announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

"A player should not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the contact reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest ban under World Rugby rules for such an offence.

Nonetheless, Wessels' 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 have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will rule the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

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

The prop has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion team over the summer.

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to play against Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.