South African Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.

This event occurred in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head.

After the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was examined by the TMO, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.

While the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:

"A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

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

However, the player's ban was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but currently, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, Italy and Ireland.

He will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European 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.

Murphy, in contrast, is available to play against Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.