Springbok Player Wessels Handed Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

The incident occurred in the early stages of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by hitting Wessels on the head.

Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the situation was reviewed by the TMO, who found no conclusive video evidence.

Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which states:

"A player should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials determined that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest ban under international rugby rules for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

He will also miss the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to play against Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.