Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Match Suspension for Genital Grab

Springbok prop Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for touching Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

The altercation happened in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking Wessels on the head.

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

Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the match.

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which specifies:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

The panel concluded that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

However, the player's suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.

He will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Northampton.

Wessels has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to play against Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.