South African Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for touching opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over Connacht.

The altercation happened in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by hitting Wessels on the head area.

Following the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was examined by the TMO, who found no conclusive video evidence.

The Bulls player stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.

While the URC announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which states:

"Any athlete must not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, pulling or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the event reached the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under World Rugby rules for such an infringement.

However, the player's ban was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion team over the summer.

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