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

Springbok front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

This event took place in the 18th minute of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting the South African on the head area.

After Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was reviewed by the television match official, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the game.

Although the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

"A player should not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the event met the red card threshold and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an offence.

Nonetheless, the player's ban was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Saints.

The prop has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to play against Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.