South African Player Wessels Receives Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

South Africa front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

The altercation happened in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head area.

Following Murphy complained to the match official, the situation was examined by the television match official, who determined no conclusive video evidence.

The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.

Although the URC announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which states:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

The panel were satisfied that the incident met the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under international rugby rules for such an violation.

However, the player's ban was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

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

Wessels has earned ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.

Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to face Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.