Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Match 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 Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

The incident occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head.

Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the situation was examined by the TMO, who concluded insufficient clear footage.

Wessels remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which specifies:

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

The panel were satisfied that the contact met the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest ban under international rugby regulations for such an offence.

However, Wessels' ban was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.

He will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Northampton.

The prop has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.