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

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

The altercation happened in the early stages of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by hitting Wessels on the head.

After Murphy complained to the match official, the contact was checked by the TMO, who concluded insufficient clear footage.

Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the match.

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the contact met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby rules for such an infringement.

However, Wessels' ban was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct during the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and Ireland.

He will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.

Wessels has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.

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