South African Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Match Suspension for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for touching opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

This event occurred in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head area.

After the Connacht player complained to the match official, the event was checked by the television match official, who found no conclusive video evidence.

Wessels remained on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the match.

While the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:

"Any athlete must not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the contact reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an violation.

However, Wessels' suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but currently, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and the Irish team.

He will also miss the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion team over the summer.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being exonerated.