South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Match Suspension for Genital Grab

South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine games for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

The altercation happened in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head.

After the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was checked by the TMO, who determined insufficient clear footage.

Wessels remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the match.

While the URC confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"A player should not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the private areas."

The panel determined that the incident reached the red card threshold and justified a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby rules for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but currently, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to play against Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.