South African Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Match Suspension for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa front-rower Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over Connacht.

The altercation happened in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by hitting Wessels on the head area.

Following the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the television match official, who concluded insufficient clear footage.

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

While the URC announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:

"A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or compressing the genitals."

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

However, Wessels' ban 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 challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, France, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to face Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.