South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine games for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

This event happened in the early stages of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head area.

After Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who determined insufficient clear footage.

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

While the URC confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have breached law 9.27, which states:

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

Disciplinary officials determined that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an offence.

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

Wessels 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, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

He will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Saints.

The prop has won 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning team over the summer.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to face Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.