Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok prop Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for touching Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.

The altercation happened in the early stages of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking the South African on the head.

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

The Bulls player stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.

Although the URC confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the event met the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an offence.

However, the player's ban was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.