Springbok Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok prop Wessels faces a suspension of nine matches for grabbing opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue 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 Connacht forward Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head.

After Murphy complained to the match official, the event was examined by the television match official, who concluded no conclusive video evidence.

Wessels remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the later stages of the match.

Although the URC announced that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was withdrawn by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was found to have violated law 9.27, which states:

"Any athlete must not engage in actions that is contrary to the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, twisting or compressing the genitals."

Disciplinary officials determined that the contact reached the level for dismissal and warranted a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under international rugby rules for such an infringement.

However, Wessels' ban was reduced by three weeks because of his good conduct during the hearing and his clean disciplinary history.

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

Wessels will also miss the his club's league matches against Warriors, the Lions and the Cell C Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup fixtures with Bègles and Saints.

Wessels has earned 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their tri-nations champion team during the recent tournament.

The Connacht player, meanwhile, is available to play against Munster in Saturday's inter-provincial derby after being exonerated.