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

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

The incident happened in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head.

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

The Bulls player remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which specifies:

"A player must not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials determined that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.

However, the player's ban was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but currently, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion team over the summer.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.