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

South Africa prop Wessels has received a ban of nine games for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

The altercation took place in the early stages of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by hitting the South African on the head area.

After Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was checked by the television match official, who determined no definitive proof.

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

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:

"Any athlete must not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

The panel were satisfied that the event met the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under international rugby rules for such an infringement.

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

The forward and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will rule the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.

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