South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine games for making contact with Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

This event took place in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting the South African on the head.

Following the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was examined by the television match official, who found no definitive proof.

Wessels remained on the field until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.

Although the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was overturned by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which declares:

"Any athlete must not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

The panel concluded that the contact met the level for dismissal and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under international rugby regulations for such an violation.

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

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, 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 fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

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

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to face Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.