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

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

The incident occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking the South African on the head.

After the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was examined by the TMO, who found no definitive proof.

Wessels stayed on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the match.

While the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:

"A player should not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the incident reached the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under international rugby rules for such an violation.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

He will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Saints.

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 eligible to play against Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.