South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab

South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

The altercation took place in the early stages of the narrow victory in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head area.

Following Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was examined by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof.

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

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which states:

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

The panel determined that the event reached the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby rules for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.

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

The prop has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to face Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.