South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Match Suspension for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.

The incident 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 striking Wessels on the head area.

Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the event was examined by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof.

Wessels stayed on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the game.

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a governing body, Wessels was found to have breached law 9.27, which states:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes touching, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the incident reached the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum suspension under international rugby regulations for such an offence.

Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will rule the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.

He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton.

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

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