South African Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

The incident happened in the early stages of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking Wessels on the head.

After the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was examined by the TMO, who concluded no definitive proof.

Wessels remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the match.

While the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which specifies:

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

Disciplinary officials determined that the event met the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby rules for such an violation.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

He will also miss the his club's 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 included in their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.