Springbok Forward Wessels Handed Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab

South Africa front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine games for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.

This event occurred in the early stages of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking the South African on the head.

Following the Connacht player reported the incident to the match official, the contact was reviewed by the television match official, who determined no conclusive video evidence.

The Bulls player remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.

Although the URC announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, the Springbok was found to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

The panel concluded that the contact met the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under international rugby regulations for such an violation.

However, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and Ireland.

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

The prop has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

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