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

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

This event occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head.

After the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was checked by the TMO, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

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

While the URC confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

The panel determined that the incident met the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under World Rugby rules for such an offence.

However, Wessels' ban was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct during the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

He will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

Wessels has earned 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 face the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.