Springbok Player Wessels Receives Nine-Game Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht.

The incident happened in the 18th minute of the narrow victory in Galway on Friday, with opposing player Josh Murphy receiving a temporary dismissal after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head area.

After the Connacht player reported the incident to the match official, the contact was checked by the TMO, who concluded no definitive proof.

Wessels remained on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the match.

Although the United Rugby Championship announced that Murphy's temporary sending-off was overturned by a governing body, Wessels was deemed to have violated law 9.27, which states:

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

The panel concluded that the event met the level for dismissal and warranted a 12-week suspension, the shortest ban under international rugby rules for such an offence.

However, the player's suspension was shortened by three weeks because of his good conduct prior to and at the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but currently, the suspension will prevent the 24-year-old out of the Springboks' autumn Tests against the Brave Blossoms, France, Italy and the Irish team.

He will also miss the his club's league matches against Glasgow, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bordeaux and Northampton.

The prop has earned ten international appearances for the Springboks and was part of their tri-nations champion squad over the summer.

Murphy, in contrast, is eligible to play against Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.