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

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine games for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

This event occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head area.

After Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the situation was checked by the television match official, who concluded no definitive proof.

The Bulls player remained on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the match.

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:

"A player should not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials determined that the event met the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby regulations for such an infringement.

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

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.

He will also miss the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

Wessels has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.

Murphy, in contrast, is available to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.