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

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

The incident happened in the early stages of the close contest in Galway on Friday, with opposing player 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 checked by the television match official, who determined insufficient clear footage.

Wessels remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.

Although the URC confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was overturned by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"Any athlete must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the event met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under international rugby rules for such an offence.

However, Wessels' ban was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.