Springbok Player Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

The altercation took place in the 18th minute of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by hitting Wessels on the head.

After the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was reviewed by the television match official, who concluded insufficient clear footage.

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

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which specifies:

"A player must not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or compressing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the event reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, Wessels' ban was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but currently, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

The prop has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to face Munster in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.