Springbok Forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels Handed Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for touching opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship win over the Irish province.

The altercation took place in the early stages of the Bulls' 28-27 win in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after reacting angrily by striking the South African on the head area.

Following Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the event was checked by the television match official, who determined no definitive proof.

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

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which specifies:

"Any athlete must not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

The panel concluded that the incident reached the red card threshold and justified a 12-week suspension, the minimum ban under World Rugby regulations for such an violation.

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

The forward and the Bulls are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the ban will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

The prop has won 10 caps for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

Murphy, meanwhile, is available to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.