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

South Africa prop Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for making contact with Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

This event happened in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking Wessels on the head.

Following Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the situation was checked by the television match official, who found no conclusive video evidence.

Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the game.

While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was found to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the event met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Northampton.

The prop has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to play against Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.