South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

South Africa prop Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

This event happened in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head area.

Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the situation was reviewed by the TMO, who found no conclusive video evidence.

Wessels stayed on the field until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.

While the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which specifies:

"A player should not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes touching, twisting or compressing the private areas."

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

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Saints.

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

Murphy, in contrast, is available to play against Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.