Springbok Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.

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

Following Murphy complained to the match official, the event was reviewed by the TMO, who determined insufficient clear footage.

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

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which states:

"A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the incident reached the red card threshold and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under World Rugby rules for such an offence.

However, the player's suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

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

He will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

Wessels has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.