Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Match Suspension for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine games for making contact with opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over Connacht.

The altercation occurred in the 18th minute of the narrow victory in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking the South African on the head.

After Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the contact was reviewed by the television match official, who concluded no definitive proof.

The Bulls player stayed on the field until he was replaced in the second half of the game.

While the URC announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

"A player must not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. This includes touching, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the event reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under international rugby rules for such an violation.

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

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

He will additionally be absent for the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

Wessels has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.