Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

The altercation took place in the 18th minute of the narrow victory in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by striking Wessels on the head.

After Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the situation was checked by the TMO, who determined insufficient clear footage.

The Bulls player remained on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the game.

Although the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which states:

"Any athlete must not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the incident met the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby rules for such an violation.

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

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

Murphy, in contrast, is available to play against Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.