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

Springbok front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over Connacht.

The altercation occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking Wessels on the head area.

After Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was reviewed by the TMO, who determined no conclusive video evidence.

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

While the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which specifies:

"A player must not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or compressing the private areas."

The panel concluded that the event reached the red card threshold and justified a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, Italy and Ireland.

He will also miss the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton.

Wessels has earned ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to face Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.