South African Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for touching opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

The incident happened in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head.

After the Connacht player complained to the match official, the situation was checked by the TMO, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

Wessels remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.

Although the URC confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

"Any athlete must not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the incident met the red card threshold and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under World Rugby rules for such an offence.

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

The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but currently, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

The prop has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.

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