Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok prop Wessels has received a ban of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

This event took place in the 18th minute of the narrow victory in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head area.

After the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was examined by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof.

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

Although the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:

"A player must not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or compressing the genitals."

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

However, the player's ban was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.

He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.

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

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.