South African Forward Wessels Handed Nine-Match Suspension for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

This event occurred in the early stages of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by hitting the South African on the head.

Following Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was examined by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof.

The Bulls player stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the game.

While the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or squeezing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the incident met the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under international rugby rules for such an offence.

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

The forward and the Pretoria-based team have the right to appeal, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton.

The prop has earned 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is eligible to play against the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.