Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

The altercation happened in the early stages of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head.

Following the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was reviewed by the television match official, who concluded insufficient clear footage.

The Bulls player stayed 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, Wessels was found to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or compressing the private areas."

The panel determined that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under international rugby regulations for such an offence.

However, the player's ban was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.

He will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Northampton.

The prop has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.