Springbok Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

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

This event occurred in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking the South African on the head area.

Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the situation was checked by the TMO, who found no definitive proof.

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

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"Any athlete must not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

The panel determined that the incident met the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the shortest ban under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

Nonetheless, the player's ban was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.

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

The prop has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to play against Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.