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

South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for making contact with Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

The incident took place in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking Wessels on the head area.

Following Murphy complained to the match official, the contact was examined by the television match official, who concluded no definitive proof.

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

Although the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which specifies:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the contact reached the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton.

The prop has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to play against Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.