South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for touching opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.

The altercation occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by hitting Wessels on the head area.

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

Wessels remained on the pitch 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 overturned by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have breached law 9.27, which states:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

The panel were satisfied that the contact met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

The prop has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.

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