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

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

The incident occurred in the early stages of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head.

Following the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was reviewed by the TMO, who determined insufficient clear footage.

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

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have breached law 9.27, which states:

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

Disciplinary officials determined that the incident met the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under international rugby rules for such an offence.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton.

The prop has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.