Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Match Suspension for Genital Grab

South Africa front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine games for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

The incident took place in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by hitting the South African on the head.

Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the contact was checked by the television match official, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which specifies:

"A player must not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

The panel concluded that the incident met the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under World Rugby rules for such an infringement.

However, Wessels' suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

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

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

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

Murphy, in contrast, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.