South African Forward Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok prop Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for touching Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

The incident happened in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy being shown a temporary dismissal after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head.

Following the Connacht player reported the incident to the match official, the contact was reviewed by the television match official, who determined insufficient clear footage.

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

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that Murphy's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

The panel were satisfied that the event reached the red card threshold and justified a three-month ban, the shortest ban under international rugby regulations for such an offence.

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

The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton.

The prop has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is eligible to face the Irish rivals in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.