South African Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

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

The incident occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head area.

Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the event was examined by the television match official, who concluded insufficient clear footage.

The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the match.

While the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated law 9.27, which specifies:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes touching, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the contact met the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under international rugby regulations for such an offence.

However, Wessels' suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, France, Italy and the Irish team.

He will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.