South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Match 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' URC win over Connacht.

The incident occurred in the early stages of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking the South African on the head area.

After Murphy complained to the match official, the contact was reviewed by the television match official, who determined no definitive proof.

Wessels remained on the field until he was substituted in the second half of the game.

While the URC confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

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

Disciplinary officials determined that the event reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under international rugby regulations for such an offence.

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

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, 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 European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.

Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to face Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.