Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab

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

The incident occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head area.

After Murphy complained to the match official, the event was reviewed by the TMO, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

Wessels remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the game.

Although the URC confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was overturned by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which specifies:

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

Disciplinary officials determined that the event reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest ban under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Saints.

Wessels has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to face Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.