Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Game Ban for Inappropriate Contact

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

This event occurred in the early stages of the close contest in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by striking Wessels on the head.

After Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was checked by the TMO, who concluded insufficient clear footage.

Wessels remained on the field until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.

While the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes touching, pulling or compressing the private areas."

The panel were satisfied that the event met the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the shortest ban under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.

However, the player's ban was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

He will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Saints.

The prop has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion team over the summer.

Murphy, in contrast, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.