South African Forward Wessels Given Nine-Match Suspension for Genital Grab

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine games for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

The incident occurred in the early stages of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking Wessels on the head area.

After the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was checked by the TMO, who found insufficient clear footage.

Wessels remained on the field until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.

Although the URC confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have breached law 9.27, which states:

"A player should not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, pulling or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the incident reached the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the shortest ban under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

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

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

Wessels has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to play against Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.