Springbok Forward Wessels Receives Nine-Match Ban for Genital Grab

Springbok front-rower Wessels has received a ban of nine games for grabbing Josh Murphy's private parts during the Blue Bulls' URC win over the Irish province.

The incident took place in the 18th minute of the narrow victory in Galway on Friday, with Connacht forward Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after reacting angrily by hitting Wessels on the head.

After Murphy reported the incident to referee Mike Adamson, the situation was reviewed by the television match official, who determined no definitive proof.

The Bulls player stayed on the pitch until he was substituted in the second half of the game.

Although the United Rugby Championship confirmed that the Irish player's 20-minute red card was overturned by a disciplinary panel, Wessels was deemed to have breached the code of conduct, which declares:

"Any athlete should not do anything that is against the principles of fair play. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

The panel were satisfied that the incident met the level for dismissal and justified a three-month ban, the minimum suspension under international rugby regulations for such an infringement.

However, the player's ban was reduced by three weeks because of his cooperative behavior prior to and at the proceedings and his good record.

Wessels and the Bulls have the right to challenge the decision, but as it stands, the ban will prevent the young player out of the Springboks' fall internationals against Japan, France, Italy and Ireland.

Wessels will also miss the his club's URC games against Glasgow, the Lions and the Sharks, as well as Investec Champions Cup games with Bègles and Saints.

The prop has won ten international appearances for South Africa and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team over the summer.

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