Springbok Player Wessels Receives Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine games for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

The incident occurred in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head.

Following the Connacht player reported the incident to the match official, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

The Bulls player remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which states:

"A player must not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the contact reached the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under international rugby rules for such an offence.

However, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

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

Wessels has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.

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