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

Springbok front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for touching Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.

The altercation occurred in the 18th minute of the narrow victory in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking the South African on the head.

Following the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was examined by the television match official, who determined no conclusive video evidence.

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

Although the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:

"A player must not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

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

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

Wessels has won 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.

Murphy, in contrast, is available to face Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.