Springbok Player Wessels Receives Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

The altercation occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head.

After Murphy complained to the match official, the contact was reviewed by the television match official, who determined no conclusive video evidence.

The Bulls player stayed on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the match.

While the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

"A player must not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, pulling or compressing the private areas."

The panel were satisfied that the contact reached the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an offence.

However, the player's ban was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Saints.

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

The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.