Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

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

The incident took place in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head.

After Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the contact was examined by the TMO, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

The Bulls player stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the match.

Although the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which states:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

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

However, Wessels' suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

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

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