Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

This event occurred in the early stages of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head.

Following the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was examined by the TMO, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the game.

While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the incident reached the red card threshold and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under international rugby regulations for such an offence.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.

He will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.

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