Springbok Player Wessels Given Nine-Match Suspension for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

This event happened in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by hitting Wessels on the head area.

After Murphy complained to the match official, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who found insufficient clear footage.

The Bulls player remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.

While the URC confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was found to have breached the code of conduct, which declares: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 contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby rules for such an offence.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has earned ten international appearances for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion team over the summer.

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