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

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

This event occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head area.

After the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was checked by the TMO, who concluded no definitive proof.

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

While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was found to have breached law 9.27, which states:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

The panel were satisfied that the contact met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

However, Wessels' ban was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and Ireland.

He will also miss the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.

Wessels has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

Murphy, in contrast, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.