Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

South Africa front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.

This event took place in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head.

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

Wessels remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.

While the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes touching, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

The panel determined that the contact met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an offence.

However, Wessels' ban was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

He will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

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

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.