Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for touching Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

The altercation took place in the early stages of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking the South African on the head area.

Following Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was checked by the TMO, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the match.

While the URC announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the event met the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an offence.

However, Wessels' ban was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

Wessels has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.

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