Springbok Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine games for touching opponent Josh Murphy's genitals during the Blue Bulls' URC victory over the Irish province.

The incident took place in the 18th minute of the narrow victory against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy being shown a 20-minute red card after responding aggressively by striking the South African on the head area.

After the Connacht player complained to the match official, the contact was reviewed by the television match official, who determined no definitive proof.

The Bulls player stayed on the field until he was substituted in the second half of the match.

While the URC confirmed that the Irish player's temporary sending-off was withdrawn by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which declares:

"A player must not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. This includes grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials concluded that the incident reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum ban under World Rugby rules for such an infringement.

However, the player's ban was reduced by 21 days because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls are entitled to appeal, but as it stands, the suspension will rule the 24-year-old out of the South African national team's fall internationals against the Brave Blossoms, Les Bleus, the Azzurri and the Irish team.

Wessels will also miss the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup fixtures with Bordeaux and Northampton.

The prop has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was part of their Rugby Championship-winning squad during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to face the Irish rivals in this weekend's domestic clash after being cleared.