South African Player Wessels Handed Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok prop Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for touching opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

The incident took place in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head.

Following Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the situation was examined by the TMO, who determined no conclusive video evidence.

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

While the URC announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"A player should not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials were satisfied that the event met the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

However, the player's ban was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, 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 games with Bègles and Northampton.

The prop has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.