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

Springbok front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine games for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over Connacht.

The incident took place in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by striking the South African on the head.

After the Connacht player complained to the match official, the situation was checked by the television match official, who determined no definitive proof.

The Bulls player stayed on the field until he was substituted in the second half of the game.

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, Wessels was found to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"A player should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the incident reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will rule the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

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

The prop has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.