Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Match Suspension for Genital Grab

South Africa front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

This event occurred in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking the South African on the head.

Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the contact was examined by the television match official, who concluded no definitive proof.

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

While the URC announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have breached the code of conduct, which specifies:

"Any athlete must not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or compressing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials determined that the incident met the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an offence.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct during the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will rule the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

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

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

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.