Springbok Forward Wessels Given Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

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

Following Murphy complained to the match official, the situation was checked by the TMO, who concluded no definitive proof.

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

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have breached the code of conduct, which specifies:

"A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the incident reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an offence.

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

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but currently, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and Ireland.

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

Wessels has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion team over the summer.

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