South African Player Wessels Given Nine-Game Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

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

This event occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking Wessels on the head.

Following the Connacht player reported the incident to the match official, the situation was checked by the television match official, who found insufficient clear footage.

The Bulls player stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.

Although the URC confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which specifies:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. This includes touching, pulling or compressing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials determined that the event met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.

He will also miss the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton.

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

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