Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine games for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

This event occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head.

Following the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was checked by the TMO, who determined no conclusive video evidence.

Wessels remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.

While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"A player should not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the contact met the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under international rugby rules for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

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

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

Murphy, in contrast, is available to face Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.