Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab

South Africa prop Wessels has been suspended of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

The altercation happened in the 18th minute of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking Wessels on the head area.

Following the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was reviewed by the television match official, who determined no definitive proof.

Wessels remained on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the game.

Although the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"Any athlete must not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the event met the red card threshold and justified a three-month ban, the shortest ban under international rugby rules for such an violation.

However, Wessels' suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton.

The prop has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.

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