Springbok Forward Wessels Given Nine-Game 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 Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.

The incident occurred in the 18th minute of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking the South African on the head.

Following the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was examined by the TMO, who concluded no definitive proof.

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

Although the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:

"A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, pulling or compressing the genitals."

The panel determined that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under international rugby rules for such an offence.

Nonetheless, the player's ban was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the hearing 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 Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and the Irish team.

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

Wessels has won 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to play against Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.