Springbok Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over Connacht.

This event occurred in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking Wessels on the head area.

After the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was checked by the television match official, who found no conclusive video evidence.

Wessels stayed on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the match.

While the URC confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was overturned by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"A player should not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

However, Wessels' ban was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but currently, the ban will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and Ireland.

He will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.

The prop has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team over the summer.

Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to face Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.