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

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

The incident took place in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head.

Following Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the television match official, who determined insufficient clear footage.

Wessels stayed on the field until he was substituted in the second half of the game.

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have breached law 9.27, which specifies:

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

Disciplinary officials determined that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under World Rugby rules for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

He will also miss the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.

Wessels 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 Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.