Springbok Player Wessels Given Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok prop Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for touching opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

The incident occurred in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by hitting Wessels on the head area.

Following Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who determined insufficient clear footage.

The Bulls player stayed on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.

Although the URC confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was overturned by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or compressing the private areas."

The panel were satisfied that the event met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

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

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but currently, the ban will rule the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and Ireland.

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

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

Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.