South African Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Match Suspension for Genital Grab

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC 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 receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head area.

After the Connacht player complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was checked by the television match official, who found no conclusive video evidence.

The Bulls player remained on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the match.

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was overturned by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"A player should not engage in actions that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or compressing the genitals."

The panel determined that the event met the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an infringement.

However, Wessels' suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will rule the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and Ireland.

He will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Saints.

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

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to play against the Irish rivals in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.