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

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

This event took place in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking the South African on the head area.

After Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was reviewed by the TMO, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

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

While the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which specifies: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. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

The panel determined that the event reached the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under international rugby rules for such an offence.

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

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

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

The prop has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.