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

South Africa front-rower Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

The altercation occurred in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting Wessels on the head area.

Following Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was checked by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof.

Wessels remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.

While the URC confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

The panel determined that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under international rugby regulations for such an offence.

However, the player's ban was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but currently, the suspension will rule the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

He will also miss the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Saints.

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

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.