Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

South Africa prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

The altercation happened in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by striking the South African on the head area.

Following the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the television match official, who determined insufficient clear footage.

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

Although the URC announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which specifies:

"A player should not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

The panel were satisfied that the incident met the red card threshold and justified a three-month ban, the minimum ban under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

However, the player's ban was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent 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 Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.

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