Springbok Player Wessels Handed Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

The altercation happened in the early stages of the narrow victory against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head area.

After the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was reviewed by the TMO, who determined no conclusive video evidence.

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

While the URC announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:

"A player must not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, pulling or compressing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an offence.

However, the player's ban was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

He will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has earned ten international appearances for South Africa and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to play against Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.