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

Springbok prop Wessels has been suspended of nine games for touching opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

This event took place in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking the South African on the head area.

After Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was checked by the television match official, who determined insufficient clear footage.

Wessels remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the match.

Although the URC confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, Wessels was found to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the contact met the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under World Rugby rules for such an offence.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

The prop has won 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 domestic clash after being exonerated.