Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over Connacht.

This event occurred in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward 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 situation was checked by the television match official, who concluded no definitive proof.

Wessels remained on the field until he was substituted in the second half of the match.

Although the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was overturned by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated law 9.27, which states:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an offence.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and Ireland.

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

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

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.