Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Given Nine-Game Suspension for Genital Grab

South Africa prop Wessels has received a ban of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

The incident occurred in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by striking Wessels on the head.

Following Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the event was reviewed by the TMO, who determined no conclusive video evidence.

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

Although the URC confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was overturned by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"A player should not engage in actions that is against the principles of fair play. This includes touching, twisting or compressing the private areas."

Disciplinary officials determined that the contact met the red card threshold and justified a three-month ban, the shortest suspension under international rugby regulations for such an offence.

Nonetheless, Wessels' suspension was reduced by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to appeal, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

Wessels has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was part of their tri-nations champion squad during the recent tournament.

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