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

South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine games for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.

The altercation occurred in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by striking the South African on the head.

After Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was examined by the TMO, who concluded no definitive proof.

The Bulls player stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the game.

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which states:

"A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."

The panel determined that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, the player's ban was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

He will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

Wessels has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.

Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to play against Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.