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

South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

The altercation took place in the 18th minute 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 hitting Wessels on the head area.

After the Connacht player complained to the match official, the event was reviewed by the TMO, who found no definitive proof.

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

Although the URC announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, Wessels was found to have breached law 9.27, which states:

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

Disciplinary officials concluded that the event met the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under international rugby rules for such an offence.

However, the player's ban was reduced by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and Ireland.

He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

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

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