Springbok Player Jan-Hendrik Wessels Receives Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok prop Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for making contact with Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

This event occurred in the early stages of the narrow victory in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by striking Wessels on the head.

After the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the contact was checked by the TMO, who found insufficient clear footage.

Wessels remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the game.

Although the URC announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

The panel determined that the contact reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under international rugby regulations for such an violation.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his clean disciplinary history.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against Japan, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton.

The prop has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.

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