South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Match Suspension for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine games for touching opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

The altercation occurred in the early stages of the narrow victory against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking the South African on the head.

After Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was reviewed by the TMO, who found no conclusive video evidence.

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

Although 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 specifies:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, pulling or compressing the genitals."

The panel determined that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under international rugby regulations for such an violation.

However, Wessels' suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but currently, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri 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 fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

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