South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Match Suspension for Genital Grab

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine games for touching opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over Connacht.

The altercation took place in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting the South African on the head.

Following Murphy complained to the match official, the event was examined by the TMO, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

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

Although the URC announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"A player must not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."

The panel determined that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under World Rugby rules for such an offence.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

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

Wessels has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion team over the summer.

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