South African Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine games for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

This event took place in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking Wessels on the head area.

Following Murphy complained to the match official, the event was examined by the TMO, who found insufficient clear footage.

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

While the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a governing body, Wessels was found to have breached the code of conduct, which states:

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

The panel were satisfied that the incident reached the red card threshold and justified a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

However, Wessels' ban was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to face Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.