South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine games for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

This event occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head area.

After Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was examined by the TMO, who determined no conclusive video evidence.

Wessels remained on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the game.

While the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:

"A player should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the contact met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.

Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.

The prop has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning team over the summer.

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