Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

The incident occurred in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head area.

After the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was reviewed by the TMO, who determined insufficient clear footage.

The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.

Although the URC announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials determined that the event reached the red card threshold and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under international rugby rules for such an violation.

However, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

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

The prop has won 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.