South African Forward Wessels Handed Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

The altercation occurred in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking Wessels on the head.

Following Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was examined by the TMO, who found no conclusive video evidence.

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

While the URC announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was found to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

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

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.

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.

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

Wessels has earned ten international appearances for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.