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

South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

This event happened in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by hitting Wessels on the head area.

After Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the event was examined by the television match official, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.

Although the URC confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, Wessels was found to have violated the code of conduct, which states: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 do anything that is against the principles of fair play. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials determined that the event reached the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under international rugby rules for such an infringement.

However, Wessels' ban was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.

He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Northampton.

The prop has earned ten international appearances for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.