Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine games for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

The altercation happened in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by hitting Wessels on the head area.

Following Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the contact was checked by the TMO, who found no conclusive video evidence.

The Bulls player stayed on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the game.

While the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was found to have violated the code of conduct, which specifies:

"A player should not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under international rugby rules for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

He will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

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

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