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

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for touching opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over Connacht.

The incident happened in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Josh Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking Wessels on the head area.

Following the Connacht player reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the event was examined by the television match official, who determined no definitive proof.

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

While the URC announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was overturned by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have breached law 9.27, which states:

"A player should not do anything that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

The panel were satisfied that the event reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest ban under international rugby rules for such an infringement.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the proceedings and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Northampton.

The prop has won 10 caps for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

The Connacht player, in contrast, is available to play against Munster in this weekend's domestic clash after being exonerated.