South African Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok prop Wessels has received a ban of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

This event took place in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by hitting Wessels on the head area.

After Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was checked by the TMO, who found no definitive proof.

The Bulls player stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the game.

Although the URC confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which states:

"A player should not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the contact met the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under international rugby rules for such an offence.

Nonetheless, the player's ban was reduced by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and Ireland.

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

The prop has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion team over the summer.

Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to play against Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.