South African Player Wessels Handed Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

Springbok prop Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

The altercation occurred in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head area.

Following Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the contact was checked by the television match official, who found no definitive proof.

Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the game.

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which states:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or compressing the private areas."

The panel concluded that the contact met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby regulations for such an violation.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and Ireland.

He will also miss the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

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

The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.