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

Springbok prop Jan-Hendrik 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 altercation took place in the 18th minute of the close contest in Galway on last Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting the South African on the head.

Following Murphy reported the incident to the match official, the event was examined by the TMO, who found no conclusive video evidence.

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

While the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a governing body, the Springbok was deemed to have breached law 9.27, which declares:

"A player should not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, twisting or compressing the private areas."

The panel were satisfied that the contact reached the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under international rugby rules for such an offence.

Nonetheless, the player's suspension was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct during the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, Italy and the Irish team.

He will additionally be absent for the his club's URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bordeaux and Saints.

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

Murphy, meanwhile, is eligible to face Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being cleared.