Springbok Player Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over Connacht.

The incident happened in the early stages of the narrow victory against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by striking the South African on the head.

Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the event was reviewed by the television match official, who found no definitive proof.

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

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials determined that the contact reached the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under World Rugby rules for such an offence.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct during the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has earned ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.