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

South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.

The altercation occurred in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking the South African on the head area.

After Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was reviewed by the television match official, who determined no definitive proof.

Wessels stayed on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the game.

While the URC confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

The panel concluded that the contact met the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.

Wessels has won 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.

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