South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

South Africa prop Wessels has received a ban of nine games for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.

The incident occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head.

After the Connacht player complained to the match official, the event was reviewed by the television match official, who found insufficient clear footage.

The Bulls player stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.

While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"A player should not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the event reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby regulations for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was reduced 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 appeal, but currently, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

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

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

Murphy, in contrast, is available to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.