South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for making contact with Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.

The incident happened in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking Wessels on the head area.

After the Connacht player reported the incident to the match official, the contact was checked by the television match official, who determined no definitive proof.

Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.

While the URC announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have breached the code of conduct, which states:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, twisting or compressing the genitals."

The panel determined that the event met the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest ban under international rugby regulations for such an infringement.

However, the player's ban was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

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

Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.