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

South Africa front-rower Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for touching opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

The altercation happened in the early stages of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head area.

After the Connacht player complained to the match official, the event was examined by the television match official, who concluded insufficient clear footage.

The Bulls player remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.

Although the URC announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which declares: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. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the contact reached the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under international rugby regulations for such an violation.

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

The forward and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

He will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

The prop has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion team over the summer.

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