Springbok Forward Wessels Handed Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

South Africa prop Wessels has been suspended of nine games for touching opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over Connacht.

This event happened in the 18th minute of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by hitting Wessels on the head area.

After Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the contact was checked by the TMO, who found no definitive proof.

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

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have breached law 9.27, which specifies:

"A player must not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials determined that the contact reached the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an offence.

However, the player's ban was reduced by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

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

The prop has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team over the summer.

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