South African Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok prop Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for touching opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

The altercation happened in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking the South African on the head.

Following Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was checked by the TMO, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.

While the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which specifies:

"A player must not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. This includes touching, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

The panel concluded that the event met the red card threshold and justified a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

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

The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to face Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.