Springbok Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

South Africa prop Wessels has been suspended of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

This event happened in the 18th minute of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head.

After Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was checked by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof.

The Bulls player remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the match.

Although the URC announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, Wessels was found to have violated law 9.27, which specifies:

"A player should not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the event reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an offence.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but currently, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton.

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

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to face Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.