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

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been suspended of nine matches for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

The incident took place in the early stages of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting the South African on the head area.

Following the Connacht player complained to the match official, the situation was examined by the TMO, who determined no definitive proof.

Wessels remained on the field until he was replaced in the later stages of the match.

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was rescinded by a governing body, the Springbok was found to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes touching, twisting or compressing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials determined that the event reached the red card threshold and justified a 12-week suspension, the shortest suspension under World Rugby rules for such an infringement.

However, the player's ban was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

Wessels and the Pretoria-based team have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will rule the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against Japan, Les Bleus, Italy and Ireland.

He will also miss the Bulls' league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Saints.

The prop has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

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