South African Player Wessels Receives Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Wessels has been suspended of nine games for touching Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.

The altercation took place in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on last Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by striking the South African on the head area.

Following Murphy complained to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was reviewed by the TMO, who found insufficient clear footage.

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

While the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which specifies:

"A player must not do anything that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers grabbing, pulling or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the event reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under international rugby rules for such an violation.

However, Wessels' suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct during the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and the Irish team.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

The prop has won ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad over the summer.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.