Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.

This event occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by hitting Wessels on the head.

After Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was checked by the television match official, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

Wessels remained on the field until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.

Although the URC confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:

"A player must not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Northampton.

The prop has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team over the summer.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.