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

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

This event happened in the early stages of the narrow victory in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by hitting the South African on the head area.

After the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was reviewed by the TMO, who found no conclusive video evidence.

Wessels remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.

Although the URC confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have breached law 9.27, which states:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the event met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under international rugby rules for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will rule the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton.

Wessels has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion team over the summer.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.