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

South Africa front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine games for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

The incident occurred in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by hitting Wessels on the head area.

After the Connacht player complained to the match official, the event was checked by the television match official, who determined no conclusive video evidence.

The Bulls player stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the game.

While the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have breached law 9.27, which states:

"A player must not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the incident reached the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at 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 prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and the Irish team.

He will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Saints.

Wessels has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

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