Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.

The altercation occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head.

Following the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was examined by the TMO, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

The Bulls player remained on the field until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which specifies:

"A player must not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or compressing the private areas."

The panel were satisfied that the event met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under international rugby rules for such an violation.

However, the player's ban was reduced by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and the Irish team.

He will also miss the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

Wessels has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

Murphy, in contrast, is available to play against Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.