South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Match Suspension for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over Connacht.

This event occurred in the early stages of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking Wessels on the head area.

Following the Connacht player reported the incident to the match official, the contact was checked by the television match official, 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 URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"A player must not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

The panel determined that the incident met the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under international rugby rules for such an violation.

However, Wessels' suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

He will also miss the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C 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 eligible to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.