South African Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

South Africa prop Wessels has been suspended of nine games for touching opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over Connacht.

This event occurred in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head.

After Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was checked by the television match official, who determined no conclusive video evidence.

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

Although the URC confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was overturned by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the contact met the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.

However, Wessels' suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Northampton.

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

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