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

Springbok prop Wessels has been suspended of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

The incident happened in the early stages of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head area.

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

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

While the URC announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was found to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:

"A player should not do anything 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 minimum suspension under World Rugby rules 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 clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but currently, the ban will rule the young player 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 Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

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