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

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for touching Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

The altercation happened in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head area.

Following Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the contact was checked by the TMO, who found no definitive proof.

Wessels stayed on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the game.

While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

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

The panel were satisfied that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

However, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

Wessels has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion team over the summer.

Murphy, in contrast, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.