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

Springbok prop Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

The altercation happened in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking Wessels on the head.

After the Connacht player complained to the match official, the event was examined by the television match official, who determined insufficient clear footage.

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

Although the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or compressing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under international rugby rules for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.

He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

Wessels has earned ten international appearances for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to play against Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.