South African Forward Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban 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 Blue Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

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

Following Murphy complained to the match official, the contact was checked by the TMO, who found no conclusive video evidence.

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

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:

"A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes touching, pulling or compressing the genitals."

The panel determined that the event reached the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an offence.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Northampton.

The prop has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team over the summer.

Murphy, in contrast, is available to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.