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 grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

This event occurred in the 18th minute of the narrow victory in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting the South African on the head.

After the Connacht player reported the incident to the match official, the situation was examined by the TMO, who concluded insufficient clear footage.

Wessels remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the game.

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have violated law 9.27, which specifies:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an offence.

However, the player's ban was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.

Murphy, in contrast, is available to face Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.