South African Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

The incident occurred in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head area.

Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the contact was reviewed by the television match official, who found no definitive proof.

Wessels remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the match.

Although the URC announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which specifies:

"A player should not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, pulling or compressing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest ban under World Rugby rules for such an infringement.

However, the player's suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but currently, the suspension will rule the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Northampton.

The prop has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to play against Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.