South African Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa prop Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for touching opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

The altercation happened in the early stages of the narrow victory against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head area.

Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the situation was reviewed by the television match official, who found insufficient clear footage.

Wessels stayed on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the match.

Although the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"A player should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

The panel determined that the event met the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby rules for such an offence.

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

The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to play against Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.