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

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

The altercation happened in the early stages of the narrow victory in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking the South African on the head area.

After Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was examined by the TMO, who found no conclusive video evidence.

Wessels remained on the field until he was substituted in the second half of the match.

Although the URC announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was found to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"A player must not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. This includes touching, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

The panel concluded that the contact met the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

However, Wessels' ban was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

Wessels has won 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to play against Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.