Springbok Player Wessels Handed Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

South Africa front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

The altercation occurred in the early stages of the narrow victory against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head.

Following Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the contact was examined by the television match official, who determined no definitive proof.

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

While the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

"A player must not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the incident met the red card threshold and warranted a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under international rugby regulations for such an violation.

However, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

He will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

Wessels has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.

Murphy, in contrast, is available to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.