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

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine games for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

The altercation took place in the early stages of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking Wessels on the head.

Following Murphy complained to the match official, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who concluded no definitive proof.

The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the match.

While the URC announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which states:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. This includes touching, twisting or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the contact met the red card threshold and justified a three-month ban, the minimum ban under international rugby regulations for such an violation.

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

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

Wessels has won 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.

Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.