Springbok Player Wessels Given Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

The incident happened in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by hitting Wessels on the head area.

After Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was reviewed by the television match official, who determined insufficient clear footage.

The Bulls player stayed on the field until he was substituted in the second half of the game.

Although the URC confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the contact reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby rules for such an infringement.

However, the player's ban was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

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