South African Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine games for making contact with Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

The incident occurred in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by striking Wessels on the head area.

Following Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was examined by the television match official, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

Wessels remained on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the game.

Although the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

"A player must not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the event reached the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct during 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 South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton.

The prop has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.