South African Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.

This event took place in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head area.

Following Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was reviewed by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof.

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

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

"Any athlete should not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes touching, pulling or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the event reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under international rugby regulations for such an violation.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but currently, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and Ireland.

He will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

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

Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to play against Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.