Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine games for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.

This event occurred in the 18th minute of the narrow victory in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking the South African on the head area.

Following the Connacht player reported the incident to the match official, the event was checked by the TMO, who found insufficient clear footage.

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

While the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was overturned by a governing body, Wessels was found to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:

"A player must not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or compressing the genitals."

The panel determined that the contact reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest ban under international rugby regulations for such an offence.

However, Wessels' suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.

He will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.

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