South African Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

The altercation took place in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by striking the South African on the head.

After Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was reviewed by the TMO, who found no conclusive video evidence.

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

While the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have breached law 9.27, which specifies:

"A player must not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. This includes touching, twisting or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the event met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

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

The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but currently, the ban will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

He will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

Wessels has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.