Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

South Africa front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine games for touching opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.

This event occurred in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head.

After the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was examined by the television match official, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

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

While the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

The panel concluded that the event met the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby rules for such an offence.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.