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

South Africa prop Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.

The altercation happened in the early stages of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by hitting Wessels on the head area.

Following Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the event was reviewed by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof.

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

While the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or compressing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the event met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

However, the player's suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, 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 additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to play against Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.