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

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

The altercation occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by hitting the South African on the head area.

Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the contact was reviewed by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof.

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

Although the URC confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, Wessels was found to have violated law 9.27, which specifies:

"A player should not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

The panel concluded that the incident met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, the player's ban was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will rule 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 Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Northampton.

Wessels has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning team over the summer.

Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to play against Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.