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

South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine games for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

The altercation took place in the early stages of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head area.

Following the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who found insufficient clear footage.

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

Although the URC announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:

"A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the event met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

However, the player's ban was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.

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

The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to play against Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.