Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine games for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

The altercation took place in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head.

After Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was reviewed by the TMO, who found no definitive proof.

Wessels remained 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 20-minute red card was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the incident reached the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

However, Wessels' ban was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but currently, the suspension will rule the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Northampton.

The prop has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

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