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

Springbok prop Wessels has been suspended of nine games for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

This event happened in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by hitting Wessels on the head area.

Following the Connacht player reported the incident to the match official, the event was checked by the TMO, who found no conclusive video evidence.

The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.

Although the URC announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was overturned by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

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

However, the player's suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

He will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

Wessels has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion team over the summer.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to face Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.