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

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

The incident occurred in the 18th minute of the narrow victory against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head area.

After Murphy complained to the match official, the situation was checked by the TMO, who found no conclusive video evidence.

Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.

While the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, Wessels was found to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"A player should not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. This includes touching, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

The panel concluded that the incident reached the red card threshold and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.

However, Wessels' ban was reduced by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but currently, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.

The prop has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.